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
What is Population Health?
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.
School of Nursing alumna Kristen Alcorn turned clinical expertise into entrepreneurial success. In this spotlight, Kristen shares a few of the experiences that shaped her journey in nursing, the things she loves about her job, and how her education at °µÍøÊÓÆµhelped her achieve her goals.
Nursing students from °µÍøÊÓÆµand UNH joined South Peninsula Hospital in Homer to share insights on public health issues like shellfish poisoning and tick-borne illness.
Alaska 529 has awarded its 2024 $25,000 scholarship account to Matalyn Dart, an adult student and long-time Alaska resident. Dart was selected from the nearly 13,000 Alaskans who chose to direct half of their Permanent Fund Dividend to their Alaska 529 accounts.
While working towards her nursing degree, Kaycelyn Gajonera received the °µÍøÊÓÆµ2024 Consortium Library Award and plans to pursue a doctorate degree in advanced nursing practice with an emphasis in rural and underserved populations.
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.