College of Health News

Jessica Ross stands on a stage. She is holding a microphone and wearing traditional Indigenous clothing. Behind her is a projector screen that reads "The Teachings of Qengaga Yey." Read More

Alumna and professor wins national Future Leaders Award

 |  Matt Jardin  | 

Jessica Ross, an alumni of Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ'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.

Tara stands behind a podium and speaks into a microphone at the Pathways to Recovery Conference. Behind her is a slide deck showing three smiling women. Read More

Alumni Spotlight: Tara Schmidt - on leveraging relationships in school and beyond

 |  Alison Miller  |  , ,

Tara Schmidt is an alumna of the Division of Population Health Sciences Master of Public Health program. In this spotlight, she reflects on how her time at Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ shaped her career path—from the relationships that opened doors and guided her forward to the unexpected milestones.

An older man and woman are pictured standing in a gym. Both are holding small dumbbells and wearing workout clothes. Read More

Rethinking Aging: COH faculty offer new insights on mental health, culture, and community

 |  Alison Miller  |  , , ,

Division of Population Health Sciences Associate Professor Dr. Britteny Howell recently published two new studies that investigates the relationship between aging and mental health. Her research seeks to explore gaps in existing literature about how the experience of aging is shape by factors like social context, culture, activities, beliefs, environment, and more.

Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ faculty and students stand in a corner of the Dena'ina Convention Center room. Read More

College of Health students bring applied public health research to Alaska’s statewide stage

 |  Alison Miller  |  , , , , ,

In January 2026, students from the College of Health showcased their public health research at the Alaska Public Health Association Summit’s annual poster session. Their projects spanned topics ranging from food security to environmental contamination, contributing valuable insights that help shape the evolving conversation around Alaska’s public health landscape.

Students engage in a trial simulation in the new Havelock Classroom. One student stands at the podium and speaks into the microphone. On either side, students sit at the prosecution and defense tables. Audience members observe from the gallery area behind them. Read More

From classroom to courtroom: Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ opens the John E. Havelock Trial Simulation Center

 |  Catalina Myers  | 

With the recent opening of the John E. Havelock Trial Simulation Courtroom, students now have access to a premier, experiential learning environment to master their craft. The courtroom will also serve as a community resource where Alaska’s legal professionals can hold practice trials and conduct continuing education and training.