The Division of Population Health Sciences (DPHS) prepares students to confront the
root causes of health challenges in Alaska and across the circumpolar North. Through
a blend of education, research, and community partnership, DPHS empowers students
to create lasting change in population health and to lead efforts that strengthen
the well-being of communities statewide and beyond.
Programs in the Division of Population Health Sciences
Unlike clinical care, which focuses on individuals, population health looks at the
big picture—improving health outcomes across communities through policy, prevention,
and systems-level solutions. It includes:
Public Health: Promoting wellness, preventing disease, and advancing health equity.
Community Health: Strengthening local environments and connecting people to care and
resources.
Join us to make an impact that goes beyond treating illness to help build healthier
communities from the ground up.
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
Meet the public health challenges of an aging society, including providing competent
care in medical settings and essential community resources and end-of-life support.
Set up a successful career in health education and health promotion, public and community
health, disease prevention, rehabilitation, or health care delivery.
Dr. Corrie Whitmore, an associate professor in the Division of Population Health Sciences, and her team at UAA’s Center for Behavioral Health Research and Services are celebrating the recent publication of a new article. The paper, which was published in the Dec. 2025 issue of Nursing for Women’s Health, offers a framework and actionable strategies for nurses to improve communication and patient experience in discussions around substance use and contraception.
Philippe Amstislavski, a scientist with a passion for sustainable innovation, is pioneering the use of mycelium insulation to help Alaska’s remote communities combat extreme cold and climate change.
From campus food pantries to statewide health initiatives, Keely Livingston is turning passion into purpose. Keely’s journey into public health began with hands-on work in food security during her undergrad years at Montana State and led her to enroll in UAA's Master of Public Health Program.
DPHS Public Health Professor Philippe Amstislavski leads research using spruce and fungi to create biodegradable alternatives to plastic, addressing Alaska’s pollution challenges.
Associate Professor Micah Hahn joins the host to discuss the health effects and epidemiology of wildfire smoke, its impact on communities and ways to protect public health.
Researchers in our lab are working to solve the global plastic pollution problem by
developing insulation that is recyclable, reusable, and biodegradable.
Housed under the Office of Research, ICHS partners closely with us while conducting applied research that supports public health
and offers valuable research experience for students.
