Health Sciences News

A tick sits on a leaf Read More

Surprise: Alaska has ticks, and more are on the way

 |  Alaska Public Media  | 

While Alaska’s skilled hunters may be very aware of ticks on wildlife, news of newly arriving ticks is important to learn. In addition, dog owners and walkers may need to come up to speed. Alaska’s warming winters and the broader habitat for ticks in the Lower 48 and Canada may provide a channel for rarer types to get to Alaska and survive here. Join us to find out how the research is progressing, what the findings reveal, how you can participate, and how UAA faculty and graduate students are supporting the work.

Jennifer Spencer on UAA campus Read More

The one common thread in UAA’s Student Diversity Award recipients? Engagement.

 |  Catalina Myers  | 

Each year, the University of Alaska Anchorage's Diversity Action Council awards the Student Diversity Award Scholarship to students who significantly enhance diversity at UAA by increasing visibility of diverse people, cultures and/or perspectives; creating a welcoming environment; and/or representing diverse student voices through their advocacy and participation in UAA student organizations. The council picks the top applicants from across the university to receive a tuition grant up to $1,000. Read more about five of this year's awardees.

Jennifer Meyer at water fountain Read More

What happened when Juneau took fluoride out of the drinking water?

 |  Matt Jardin  | 

According to Healthy People 2020 approximately four out of five Americans have access to optimally fluoridated water (OFW). That figure comes from assistant professor of health sciences Jennifer Meyer, Ph.D., M.P.H., C.P.H., R.N. In Alaska, the percent of the population with access to OFW has dropped significantly from 60 percent in 2007 to only 42 percent in 2017.

Micah Hahn posing Read More

A needle in a haystack: UAA researchers are on the hunt for ticks in Alaska

 |  Catalina Myers  | 

Summer in the Land of the Midnight Sun means Alaskans are hitting trails in full force with family, friends and their canine companions. However, the great outdoors comes with its own risks and happy hikers know to be prepared for whatever may be lurking in the woods, like bears or moose. But what about bugs? And we're not talking about the mosquito kind. Turns out there's something far worse than mosquito bites - and that's being bitten by a tick.

Charley Field skiing Read More

Field's Day: Senior skier tops podium

 |  Joey  | 

Charley Field had a dramatic start to her senior skiing season. At the Montana State University Invite in Big Sky on Jan. 8, with her parents in the audience, she won her first ever college race by the slimmest possible margin. "It was a surprise," she said with a laugh. "I went to the board and realized I'd won by one [hundredth of a second]."