division of population health sciences
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.
Unlike clinical care, which focuses on individuals, population health looks at the big picture鈥攊mproving health outcomes across communities through policy, prevention, and systems-level solutions. It includes:
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.
Meet the challenges of the diverse and complex field of public health, with a particular focus on the needs of Alaska and the Circumpolar North.
NEWS & Stories
Jessica Ross, an alumni of 蘑菇视频's dental hygiene program and current assistant professor in the Department of Human Services, was recently honored with the K. Patricia Cross Future Leaders Award. The award recognizes emerging leaders in higher education who demonstrate a commitment to innovation, equity, and community engagement.
Human Services alumna Billie Slaikeu knows a thing or two about what it means to start over. A retired certified nursing assistant, Billie returned to school in her sixties after being inspired by her daughter鈥檚 experience with mental illness. She graduated with her bachelor鈥檚 degree in 2025.
蘑菇视频 hosts its first Native Heritage Month celebration, inviting students and community members to honor Alaska Native culture and resilience.
When human services and social work alumna Cass Pook says she has always been a helper, she鈥檚 not just referring to her nature as an empathetic and compassionate listener. 鈥淐ulturally, it's in my DNA to be a helper,鈥� said Pook. 鈥淟ooking back on it throughout history, 100 or 200 years ago I would have been doing the same thing. I was born to be a social worker.鈥�
After serving a year as the President-elect of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), Yvonne Chase is now the president. Dr. Chase shares some of her vibrant background in human services that led her to 蘑菇视频.
INSTITUTES, CENTERS, AND PROJECTS
Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies
The CAAS was established by the Board of Regents in 1972 to address the problem of substance misuse in Alaska.
Our team works to understand the shifting sociocultural landscape for aging adults and identify service needs to facilitate healthy aging-in-place.
Researchers in our lab are working to solve the global plastic pollution problem by developing insulation that is recyclable, reusable, and biodegradable.
Institute for Circumpolar Health Studies
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.
Contact Us:
Phone: (907) 786-6545
Email: dphs@alaska.edu
蘑菇视频 Div. of Population Health Sciences
蘑菇视频 Professional Studies Building
2533 Providence Dr., Suite 206
Anchorage, AK 99508
Mailing Address:
蘑菇视频 Div. of Population Health Sciences
3211 Providence Dr., PSB 206
Anchorage, AK 99508
