From manikins and surgical instruments to debating the legality of cannibalism: community members immerse themselves in health and social service careers at Explore COH

by Vicki Nechodomu  |   

  • Social work team
    UAA School of Social Work faculty set up their trivia wheel at Explore COH on Nov. 18, 2022. (Photo by Ahliil Saitanan/UAA College of Health)
  • Grace Leu-Burke
    Grace Leu-Burke, program director and term assistant professor of Medical Laboratory Science, facilitates Micro Match - Disease Diagnosis, an interactive game guiding students in becoming disease detectives at Explore COH on Nov. 18, 2022. (Photo by Ahliil Saitanan/UAA College of Health)
  • Glitter Bug
    Shannon uses a black light to reveal participants' handwashing effectiveness as they learned about medical assisting careers at Explore COH on Nov. 18, 2022. (Photo by Ahliil Saitanan/UAA College of Health)
  • Nursing Skills Lab
    Susan Stake, School of Nursing skills lab assistant, shows community members a variety of manekins and models used to teach nursing skills at Explore COH on Nov. 18, 2022. (Photo by Ahliil Saitanan/UAA College of Health)
  • WWAMI table
    Kathy Young, assistant dean of the Alaska WWAMI School of Medical Education, demonstrates the function of the human heart and its electrical control system at Explore COH on Nov. 18, 2022. (Photo by Ahliil Saitanan/UAA College of Health)
  • dental tab le
    Aspen explores hands-on models as she learns about UAA's dental programs at Explore COH on Nov. 18, 2022. (Photo by Ahliil Saitanan/UAA College of Health)
  • human services
    Assistant professor Seta Kabranian- Melkonian speaks to community members about the field of human services at Explore COH on Nov. 18, 2022. (Photo by Ahliil Saitanan/UAA College of Health)
  • dphs
    Travis Hedwic, associate professor and interim chair of the Division of Population Health Sciences, guides attendees in connecting multiple aspects of their everyday lives to the essential services of public health at Explore COH on Nov. 18, 2022. (Photo by Ahliil Saitanan/UAA College of Health)
  • surg tech
    Community members get hands-on experience with a wide variety of instruments as they learn about UAA's Surgical Technology program at Explore COH on Nov. 18, 2022. (Photo by Ahliil Saitanan/UAA College of Health)
  • legal
    Associate professors Ryan Fortson faciliates a lively discussion about the legality of cannibalism as participants learn about UAA's Legal Studies program at Explore COH on Nov. 18, 2022. (Photo by Ahliil Saitanan/UAA College of Health)
  • PharmD
    UAA/ISU Doctor of Pharmacy students Seth and Ethan set up an information station and games for community members at Explore COH on Nov. 18, 2022. (Photo by Ahliil Saitanan/UAA College of Health)
  • Justice
    Professors Brad Myrstol and Sharon Chamard speak with guests about crime rates in Anchorage and UAA's justice program at Explore COH on Nov. 18, 2022. (Photo by Ahliil Saitanan/UAA College of Health)

Over 100 community members assembled on campus on Nov. 18th for Explore COH, an event designed to provide high school students, educators, and other curious community members with the opportunity to participate in hands on activities and engage with program faculty from the college's wide range of health and social service programs. 

"It was fantastic seeing all of the ways that faculty and staff engaged prospective students in learning about their programs and showcasing the wide range of health careers available to them," said Kendra Sticka, Associate Dean of Clinical Health Sciences. "The hands-on nature of the activities, combined with important program information, provided an amazing opportunity for prospective students and parents to learn about the College of Health programs."

Participants ranged from high school freshmen to adults considering a change in careers and traveled from as far away as Fairbanks and Juneau to attend. During the event, participants were given a map with station descriptions, leading them on a fast paced, self-navigated adventure through a wide variety of health and social service career exploration activities hosted by program faculty in buildings across campus. 

"I chose to come to this event since I couldn't figure out my career for the future and I hoped this would help me get to know more about these classes when I get to college," said participant Mariel Bascug.

"I loved being able to get a deeper look into the programs available," said participant Gracy Culbert. "I was suprised by the vast options available! There’s so many more health options at UAA than I knew existed. I think it's important for youth and community members to attend events like this because they get to know the programs before actually applying and committing to a degree!"

Interested in learning more about UAA College of Health Programs or want to arrange a campus visit? Contact Rosalee Shoulders, College of Health student recruitment specialist, roshoulders@alaska.edu.
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