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  Schizophrenia Care Among People Experiencing Homelessness in the Matanuska Susitna Borough

  Wargo, Mary K. (University of Alaska Anchorage, 2025-07-01)

  Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder that often manifests in early adulthood (Jauhar et al., 2022). Positive symptoms include reality distortions, disordered thinking, hallucinations, or delusions; while negative symptoms are seen in an individual’s lack of motivation and expression (Jauhar et al., 2022; Norris, 2019). Cognitive deficits are also a clinical feature (Harvey et al., 2022; Jauhar et al., 2022). Schizophrenia affects an estimated 0.3 – 1.6% of the United States population (Finnerty et al., 2024). Most recent data from Alaska reveals 1,664 Alaskans live with schizophrenia (Heun-Johnson et al., 2019). Despite the small percentage of the population with a diagnosis, these individuals have a disproportionately high burden of disease. Patients with schizophrenia are hospitalized at a higher rate than those with other severe mental health disorders and their stay is longer and more costly (Heun-Johnson et al., 2019). The burden of the disease is also felt as a loss of productivity, as patients may be unable to maintain employment, need significant support from caregivers, and have shorter lives (Heun-Johnson et al., 2019; Schizophrenia & Psychosis Action Alliance, 2021). Many people with schizophrenia live independently, but others are unhoused, live in care facilities, or are incarcerated, which adds to disease burden (Schizophrenia & Psychosis Action Alliance, 2021). The current standard of care for schizophrenia involves pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic approaches. Antipsychotic medications are the cornerstone, although common side effects complicate adherence to treatment, including obesity, metabolic disturbances, or tardive dyskinesia (Rubio & Kane, 2022). Pharmacologic treatment reduces the symptoms of schizophrenia, and accompanying non-pharmacologic interventions can improve quality of life (McDonaugh et al., 2017). Early detection and treatment lead to a better long-term prognosis (Crawford & Go, 2022, Lin & Lane, 2019). The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) gathered approaches to managing schizophrenia into a package called coordinated specialty care (CSC) (NIMH, 2023). CSC is based on early intervention and an individualized treatment plan that provides medication management, cognitive behavioral therapy, family support, case management, employment support, and psychoeducation (NIMH, 2023). This approach is also reflected in the most recent practice guideline from the American Psychiatric Association. This guideline includes recommendations related to initial assessment, the use of antipsychotic medication, CSC programs, cognitive behavioral therapy, assertive community treatment for patients with histories of poor adherence or relapse, as well as employment, social skills, family, and cognitive support (Keepers et al., 2021).
• Deer Lady: Evil Temptress, Tragic Victim, or Ghost of Indigenous Femininity?

  Longley, Erica (University of Alaska Anchorage, 2025-07-01)

  “Deer Lady” (2023) is the third episode in the third and final season of the FX on Hulu dramedy series, Reservation Dogs. The show features an almost entirely Indigenous cast and crew. This includes creators Sterlin Harjo and Taika Waititi, the director of this particular episode, Danis Goulet, actors D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, who plays Bear, and Kaniehtiio Horn, who plays Deer Lady. According to an interview for NPR, showrunner Sterlin Harjo is of Seminole and Muscogee heritage, and grew up in rural Oklahoma, where the show is set (Harjo interview). A large driving force behind the creation of the show was to provide realistic representations of Indigenous Americans in popular media. “Deer Lady” uses Indigenous folklore to shed light on a piece of American History in a way that is both shocking, and devastatingly relatable. Thus humanizing the experiences of Indigenous people in the United States. I will be delving into some of the inconsistencies in traditional Deer Lady/Woman stories. This involves exploring the connotation that folklore may have been influenced by colonization, and how that could be contributing to the violence against Indigenous women that persists today.
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  Violence Towards EMS

  Moffat, Briana (2025-07-08)

  This factsheet examines violence towards Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responders as documented in existing research literature, tying into Alaska's Crisis Response Team models.
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  Intimate Partner Technology-Facilitated Abuse (TFA): Technological Tools and Tactics

  Sampson, Rus'sel (Alaska Justice Information Center, 2025-06-12)

  This fact sheet provides a brief overview of the technological tools and associated behavioral tactics used to facilitate abuse against intimate partners, as documented in the research literature.
• Perceived Barriers and Facilitators to Food Security in Ketchikan Alaska

  Teune, Jessi (University of Alaska Anchorage, 2024-05-01)

  Ketchikan, Alaska is Alaska's First City and is famously known as the Salmon Capital of the world. Ketchikan is Lingít Aaní, the ancestral land of the Taantʼá Ḵwáan and Saanya Ḵwáan people of Revillagigedo Island.1 Ketchikan Gateway Borough is home to 13,754 residents.2 Being located on an island presents unique challenges to the residents regarding food security. Food that is not harvested or grown locally is shipped via barge from Seattle, WA. Limited published research exists regarding food security in Alaska, and primary research on food security in Ketchikan is nonexistent. The goal of this study is to analyze food insecurity and related variables in Ketchikan, AK. The study’s objectives are to measure food insecurity using results from an online survey, identify the most prevalent perceived barriers and facilitators to food security, and determine potential associations between food security status and barriers/facilitators to food security in Ketchikan, AK. This study utilized a retrospective (the past 12 months) cross-sectional study design to ascertain perceived barriers and facilitators to food security in Ketchikan, Alaska. A one-time, electronic survey was made available on Qualtrics and advertised via flyers, social media, and tables at a grocery store. Chi-square analyses were used to determine significant (p < 0.05) associations between food security status and perceived barriers and facilitators. The total sample analyzed was 108 Ketchikan residents. A significant relationship was found between food security status and access to transportation, sufficient money, the availability of meat, avoiding the grocery store: not due to COVID-19, receiving food from food bank, etc. and expense of food.
• Positive behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS) Data Systems

  Hukali, Drenushe (University of Alaska Anchorage, 2024-12-01)

  The Anchorage Schools District (ASD), a large and diverse educational system, currently operates without standardized systems, tools and training for effectively capturing and analyzing student data. This limitation, coupled with reliance on outdated disciplinary practices, has resulted in a predominantly reactive organizational approach. Through the successful implementation of Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework to PreK- 12+ students at all Anchorage School District (ASD) school sites, this project aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an optimized documentation process within the district. This evidence-based, tiered framework supports students’ behavioral, academic, social, emotional, and mental health, which has been proven to improve social-emotional competence, academic success, and school climate. It also improves the health and well-being of teachers and school-based staff. The Anchorage School District (ASD) is using a cohort-based approach to implement district-wide updates across all existing systems. The primary focus of the project is to implement the updates and analyze their outcomes. The proposed changes to the existing data systems target the reliability and efficiency of behavior data. This, in turn, facilitates thorough analysis and informed decision-making to proactively enhance to the overall learning environment.
• Analyzing the Effectiveness of Maritime Policy for the Management of Increasing Rates of Vessel Traffic in the Bering Strait

  Block, Izabella (University of Alaska Anchorage, 2025-05-01)

  The Arctic is changing at a rapid pace, affecting virtually every aspect of life in the region, with major changes to sea ice, permafrost, and traditional lifestyles. These changes, in conjunction with globalization, have led to a rise in interest in the Arctic and accessing its resources. One considerable facet of accessing the Arctic is via maritime activity, with shorter transport times between Asia and Europe, fishing valuable stocks, and access to offshore oil and gas deposits. As countries such as Russia and China are intent on developing the Arctic and commercializing maritime trade routes, many living in the region are contending with the unintended impacts from increased maritime activity that may occur, threatening food and environmental security. While interest in the region is occurring across the Arctic, effects from increased maritime activity are already being felt in the Bering Strait region of Western Alaska, with decreases in multi-year sea ice important for subsistence and natural infrastructure, changes to migratory patterns of several marine species, and occurrences of pollution from vessels (Tsujii et al. 2021; NSIDC 2023; Raymond-Yakoubian and Daniel 2018; Hartsig et al. 2012). The impacts on food and environmental security are likely to be amplified within the Bering Strait due to its unique geography and ecosystem, serving as a migration corridor for many marine species, and as a natural bottleneck for anthropogenic activity, with a mere 50 nautical miles at its narrowest point and the Diomede Islands situated in the middle of the strait (Hartsig et al. 2012). Furthermore, the Bering Strait is the only connection between the Arctic and Pacific Oceans. With the heightened risk for negative impacts to the communities living within the Bering Strait region—such as various types of pollution from maritime activity, ship strikes (either to marine mammals or sea ice) and spread of invasive species—all affecting traditional subsistence lifestyles, a new policy to protect the Bering Strait is needed. Thus, the main objective of this study is to evaluate policy options that could mitigate the impacts of increasing vessel traffic through the Bering Strait. A maritime traffic management plan can be determined by analyzing how vessels behave in response to current policy. To best simulate the potential traffic the Bering Strait could receive as a part of the Northern Sea Route (NSR) and the Northwest Passage (NWP), as well as the theoretical Transpolar Route, policy applicable to the Aleutian Archipelago (along the North Pacific Great Circle Route) is analyzed in addition to the current conditions of the Bering Strait. The policies analyzed within this study include the International Maritime Organization’s ‘Areas to be Avoided’(ATBA) and the United States Coast Guard ‘Alternative Planning Criteria’ (APC, through the Aleutian ATBAs). Analysis of vessel tracklines was performed with spatial software and tabulated data with statistical software. To analyze the ATBA policy for both the Aleutian Chain and Bering Strait, a spatio-temporal Hotspot Analysis was used to investigate pattern shifts in vessel traffic over the 2015 to 2022 dataset. To further analyze the behavior of vessels transiting through waters containing ATBAs, two additional analyses were conducted. For the APC policy and the Aleutian Archipelago ATBAs, email communication between vessel operators and the Marine Exchange of Alaska (MXAK) was analyzed, and information was categorized, such as weather, the type of email exchange, and the overall receptiveness to being contacted. To investigate whether port calls influenced adherence to the ATBAs, vessel traffic along Western Alaska was tabulated by season for the traffic docking at a community. From the analysis, three main findings emerged: (1) vessel behavior is impacted by the ATBA implementation for each respective region, (2) various factors, including weather and community access, continue to influence vessel behavior, and (3) communication from a third-party organization (in this study, MXAK) impacts adherence to the ATBA policy. As policy has influenced vessel behavior in both the Aleutian Archipelago and the Bering Strait region in the past, policy alternatives to manage increased maritime activity within the Bering Strait region can be useful to prevent negative impacts of vessel activity to Western Alaska communities. Using a modified Political, Economic, Social, Technological Analysis (in this analysis Environmental and Legal components were utilized), in conjunction with a Comparative Analysis, policy alternatives were examined for the best option given the current conditions (geopolitical, legal) that the Bering Strait stakeholders face. From the policy analyses conducted, the recommendation for managing increasing rates of maritime activity is to create a voluntary vessel monitoring system with open enrollment by any vessel with the Bering Strait that can provide weather advisories, warn of subsistence activities, and inform of areas to be avoided and other existing policies. Due to this voluntary nature, the vessel monitoring system can transcend both geopolitical tensions between Russia and the United States. Additionally, this policy alternative provides a way for mariners to be aware of any subsistence activities in the region. Upon further increases in maritime activity within the Bering Strait, it will be essential to revisit current policy for effectiveness, as well as include the participation and concerns of the communities located within the Bering Strait Region.
• Valor: Villains, Creatures and Foes - A Tabletop Roleplaying Game Expansion and a Methodology for Planning and Managing Tabletop Roleplaying Game Projects

  Ottosen, Erik Ryan (University of Alaska Anchorage, 2024-12-01)

  Valorous Games, an independent developer and producer of Tabletop Roleplaying Games (or TTRPGs), has successfully executed three book development projects over the past seven years (the third project being a reprint and update of their first book), in addition to smaller ancillary projects. In 2023, it was determined that rescoping and restarting their third book, Valor: Villains, Creatures and Foes, would better align with future goals for the company and its proprietor. Initial research showed that little to no academic material exists for study of Project Management (or PM) in the context of the Tabletop Role-Playing Game hobby; thus, it was determined that the project scope would be extended to include building of genericized Project Management resources to aid organization of similar projects, as a start point for academic material around management of TTRPG development projects. The project phases covered by this thesis focused on development of the book’s manuscript alongside PM materials for the project, then genericization of the PM materials for use as a reference for similar projects as a start point for PM skill development for TTRPG writers – or TTRPG development for PM practitoners.
• Application of Project Management to Develop a Multifunctional Wheelchair Mount in the Non-Profit Sector

  Johnsen, Ruger (University of Alaska Anchorage, 2025-05-01)

  There are currently few commercially available multi-function accessory mounts for electric wheelchairs that are practical for high-level quadriplegics. Consequently, an individual user must design and create one for themselves, an undertaking that requires significant resources in the form of expertise, time, and money. Wes Price, a quadriplegic, has developed a concept mount for operating a hunting rifle. This project optimized the proof-of-concept by building a prototype and completing a design that can be offered to the public. The primary tasks and deliverables of this project include: 1) Research and develop improvements to the proof-of-concept and prototype 2) Fabricate prototypes 3) Field test and analyze results This project used Project Management methodology to effectively plan, organize, and execute. It was completed with volunteers, thus introducing novel project management issues and concepts. A project management guide was produced to be used on similar future projects executed in a volunteer framework.
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  Development of an Evidence-Based Policy Handbook Utilizing a Hub and Spoke Practice Model: A Quality Improvement DNP Project

  Coffman, Leah M. (University of Alaska Anchorage, 2024-10-15)

  Diagnosing a child with a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder in the State of Alaska requires a team-based approach. The current model is a hub model where providers refer to one of a few certified 4-Digit Code method teams in the geographically vast State of Alaska. Telehealth has been suggested as a viable alternative to in-person hub evaluations for fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). The State of Alaska FASD program and the Alaska Mental Health Trust Fund’s goals of moving towards a telehealth program for FASD evaluation, diagnosis, and management (WICHE-BHP, 2021). This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project sought to improve the current model. After critical review and evaluation of the literature, the Hub and Spoke model was selected. The policy handbook was evaluated by experts in the field and revised. Using the Model for Improvement (2013), a policy handbook was developed incorporating the Hub and Spoke model and specific requirements and recommendations specific to Alaska. The new model is called the FASD telehealth Hub and Spoke practice model.
• Uses of Project management Practices in Development of a Recreational Facility Business Plan

  Blake, Lucian (University of Alaska Anchorage, 2024-12-01)

  The objective of this endeavor is to demonstrate the intended application of project management's best practices, in the submission of a conventional business plan as administrated by the University of Anchorage Alaska capstone, the Project Management Book of Knowledge (PM BoK), and the Project Management Institute (PMI). Preparations and outcomes encountered within this effort will both initiate and actively assert an economy in discovery or concept use, which coincide with technical simulations capable of breaching and sustaining confidence within continued practice or future findings. The determination within this dynamic effort was inspired by a self-passion for entrepreneurship, within equitable achievements prior to capstone. Although I may have moonlighted as an entrepreneur absent of a business plan in past pursuits, depicting use of project practices was not a requirement before as it must be throughout this undertaking, and given any conscious or unconscious bias for the applied craft(s). In contrast, the critically acclaimed "Pong Now Project Business Plan" seeks to change history using project management's best practices during idea startup and ideal execution. This endeavor would extract from a variety of inter-industrial domains processes, interests, influences, and procedures. Project vision-tiering and strategic-product goals set throughout development phases will milestone or landmark past, general, specific, and future accomplishments to illustrate growth or maturity. Thereafter, project-plan design drafts and details will fuse formatting of all required deliverables from point of conception through pre-completion. A theoretical launch of this business should appear forthcoming and if pursued, materialization of outcomes will reflect the highest probability of success. This project business plan is two-fold; to functionally merge the constitution of project practices and business planning development together. To accomplish this, a system, or systems of designations and dispositions, must encompass the ability to equip resource capabilities or competencies to withstand dormancy and regress in project or product loads and demands. Insurance or assurance of merits relative to the legacy from this study, must exhibit an alumni level of proficiency all-throughout the application and advancement of 10-knowledge areas, and 5-process groups, correlative to foreseen or unforeseen outcomes, given any regularity or irregularities with resourcing relationships, performance levels, estimated or actual predictions, itemized activities, and scrummed technologies or techniques applied. The synchronized framework and standardization devised throughout this multifaceted undertaking intuitively prepares an executable, project-practiced and project-managed business plan upon coalition of efforts.
• Cultivating and Sustaining Community Engagement at the Kachemak Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

  Masui, Rose (University of Alaska Anchorage, 2024-12-01)

  The Kachemak Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (KBNERR) was established in Homer, Alaska in 1999 with an overarching purpose of conducting community relevant place-based research, education, training, and outreach within our region. The need to have the Reserve reflective of community needs was also captured within KBNERR’s 2021-2026 Management Plan. As of 2024, the process for engaging the community both to share information and to inform focus areas at the Reserve is not being implemented in a unified approach. Since 2021, three-quarters of the positions at KBNERR have experienced staffing turnovers. A need to re-establish the role the community plays into the shaping of the Reserve is essential to follow the current Management Plan. This project developed recommendations for a Community Engagement Program at KBNERR to help solve these issues. A Needs Assessment was conducted engaging the Reserve’s Community Council, which is made up of local elected members and agency partners, to determine what is appropriate and needed for engagement within the community. This assessment was then used to inform a Community Engagement Program Description and the development of a position description within the University of Alaska Anchorage system.
• State of Alaska Department of Transportation Professional Services Agreement: Chapter 7 and 8 Update and Enhancement

  Niagne, Mohamed (University of Alaska Anchorage, 2024-12-01)

  This project aimed to improve the price estimate preparation process for resurface and rehabilitation highway projects for the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities by updating the Professional Service Agreement Manual Chapters 7 and 8, which offer price estimates and figures that engineers need for calculations prior to negotiation for highway projects. This project was initiated due to the ongoing rapid market variation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The inaccuracy of cost estimates in the post-pandemic era has impacted Alaska highway projects, contributing to longer negotiations and higher project costs. To address these challenges, the revised Manual chapters provide detailed guidelines and updated templates for price estimates, incorporating industry standard methodologies and best practices for negotiation, technical issues, and cost price analysis. Insights from the procurement agency, lessons from previous projects, project manager evaluations, and feedback from the highway design team and consultants were incorporated into the Manual revisions. Four pillars of effective project management also guided the revisions: critical success factors, key performance indicators, communications management, and quality management. The project required a thorough assessment of the existing challenges within the Manual, identification of areas for improvement, and the development of new exhibits for the Highway Design Section. This update to the Manual should streamline the price estimate preparation process and establish a consistent framework for the Statement of Services during the negotiation phase. These enhancements aim to improve project budgeting and resource allocation, as well as facilitate the successful delivery of high-quality projects on schedule and within budget. Docusign Envelope ID: C1F10F3E-9FB7-4672-9737-74041A7E0673
• Micronutrient Adequacy of Vegetarian and Vegan Diets Among Alaskan Adults

  Gonzales, Jonah (University of Alaska Anchorage, 2025-05-01)

  The estimated number of vegetarians and/or vegans in the United States grew by 600% from nearly 4 million in 2014 to 20 million in 2017. The goal of this study is to assess the adequacy of vitamin B12, vitamin D, calcium, and iron intakes among adult Alaskan residents following vegetarian or vegan diets. A convenience sample of Alaskan adults following a vegetarian or vegan diet was recruited via social media and community posters to participate in this cross-sectional study. Respondents answered basic questions about their demographics and diet and were then directed to the National Institutes of Health’s Automated Self-Administered 24-hour Dietary Assessment Tool, a validated tool for estimating nutrient intakes using 24-hour dietary recall data. Respondents’ estimated vitamin B12, vitamin D, calcium and iron intakes were compared to Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) and Upper Tolerable Limit (UTL) for these nutrients. Eighteen eligible people agreed to participate in the survey, and 11 of those completed the 24-hour dietary recall. The average age of the same was 41.12 ± 15.91 years, and 83.3% (n=15) identified as female. A majority (61.1%, n=11) identified their dietary pattern in the last year as vegan, and 88.8% reported taking supplements. Of the 11 participants who completed the 24-hour recall, 72.7% (n=8), 50.0% (n=5), 63.6% (n=7), and 36.4% (n=4) of respondents met the RDA for calcium, iron, vitamin B12, and vitamin D, respectively, with intake from foods, beverages, and supplements. However, 50.0% (n=5) of respondents exceeded the UTL for iron. Without intake from supplements, 63.6% (n=7), 80.0% (n=8), 45.0% (n=5), and zero respondents met the RDA for calcium, iron, vitamin B12, and vitamin D, respectively. Supplement use among Alaskan adults following vegetarian and vegan diets is common; however, care and planning should be taken to avoid potentially toxic doses. Future research should further explore nutrient adequacy of vegetarian and vegan diets in Alaska year-round.
• Exploring the Roles of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists in Food Service Management Practice Settings and the Established Guidelines That Aid in Assessing Competency

  Lim, Angelique (University of Alaska Anchorage, 2025-05-01)

  Background: Registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) are highly qualified professionals to manage food service operations, yet only 3% of RDNs work in food service management. Objective: The objective of this research is to determine what established guidelines, training, certifications, and advanced degrees RDNs working in management of food and nutrition systems (MFNS) use to develop their level of expertise. Methods: RDNs who are members of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Management of Food and Nutrition Systems Dietetic Practice Group were invited to participate in a survey to assess characteristics of current RDNs working in MFNS, and to determine resources, training and certificates that develop their level of expertise. Participants were also invited to express their views on how the role of an RDN has changed now that a graduate degree is required to earn the RDN credential. Results: Of 29 respondents, 86.2% have earned a master’s degree or higher. Only 13.4% said they were “familiar” with the Revised 2021 Standards of Professional Performance in MFNS, and none said they were “very familiar.” Most agreed or strongly agreed that supervised experiential learning (89.6%) and competency-based education (65.5%) helped prepare them for their current positions. Additional certifications and resources that respondents most-commonly cited include ServSafe Certification (24%) and practice group resources (24%). Conclusion: Supervised experiential learning and competency-based education serves as a foundation that prepares future RDNs that are interested in pursuing a career in Management of Food and Nutrition Systems. Participating in foodservice organizations and certifications related to leadership, management, and food service aid in developing a level of expertise.
• An Assessment of Dietary Omega-6 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Intake in the United States

  Lenig, Alyssa (University of Alaska Anchorage, 2025-05-01)

  The dietary intake of omega-6 relative to omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) has risen in the last century from 4:1 to 20:1, largely attributed to an increased intake of processed foods and the abundance of seed oils. The imbalance in the intake of omega-6 PUFA linoleic acid (LA) to omega-3 PUFA alpha-linoleic acid (ALA) may lead to a “hyperallergic” state in chronic inflammatory conditions. A lower ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 PUFAs is widely considered to be beneficial because of the anti-inflammatory benefits of omega-3 PUFAs, and pro-inflammatory effects associated with higher intakes of LA; however, there is no consensus on what the exact ratio should be. The purpose of this study was to determine which foods are contributing the most to omega-6 PUFAs intake, and which foods are highest in omega-6 PUFAs in the United States. This study was a secondary analysis of NHANES 2017-March 2020 pre-pandemic dietary data for 9,606 participants and a total of 122,533 individual foods consumed. The USDA’s 2021-2023 Food and Nutrient Database for Dietary Studies (FNDDS) was used to further subcategorize USDA food codes into What We Eat in America (WWEIA) categories. Foods classified as grain products and meat, poultry, fish, and mixtures contributed more than half of all omega-6 PUFAs intake in this national sample, although nuts and seeds are the individual subcategory that contribute the greatest amount of omega-6 PUFAs. The results of this analysis are consistent with prior studies for omega-6 PUFA food sources, primarily cereal and grain products were top contributing foods groups. Although causation may not be implied regarding the health risks from a high intake of omega-6 PUFAs, the results allow consumers to be more knowledgeable about top food sources consumed that contain omega-6 PUFAs and weigh the health risks and benefits of omega-6 PUFA dietary intake to current available research.
• The Experiences of Caregivers in Implementing Medical Nutrition Therapy When raising Children With Type 1 Diabetes

  Reeves, Mallory (University of Alaska Anchorage, 2025-05-01)

  Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a complex, chronic endocrine disorder that accounts for roughly 5-10% of the diabetic population globally. Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) is the foundation of diabetes self-management. Since MNT is fundamental for managing and caring for T1DM, medical providers must understand the challenges of implementing recommendations at home. This study sought to identify what experiences caregivers face regarding implementing MNT recommendations when raising children with T1DM. A mixed-methods design collected data through focus groups and a demographic survey. The focus group took place via Zoom. Inclusion criteria were adults over the age of 18 who had a child between the ages of 10 and 18 years old who had had T1DM for over two years and who were English-speaking. A total of three caregivers participated in the focus group. This study found that caregivers typically do not follow carbohydrate counting as recommended by medical providers. Instead, carbohydrate counting is modified based on caregivers' experiences with how their child’s blood glucose responds to foods. Additionally, there is a lack of support within the school system. Caregivers often had to find outside support from medical providers or school programs to ensure adequate care and medical safety while their child attended school. The findings from this study corresponded with prior research and suggest that medical providers frequently review family MNT practices to ensure alignment with the medical team and caregivers.
• Evaluating Registered Dietitians Nutritionists' (RDN) Knowledge, Attitudes, Behaviors and Practices of Social MEdia Best Practices and the Role of the RDN Social Media Influencer

  Burback, Ciera (University of Alaska Anchorage, 2025-05-01)

  The growing use of social media has expanded the potential for RDNs to work with brands to promote products, as other health professionals have done for many years. However, scrutiny of the profession of nutrition and dietetics brought RDN influencers under fire due to disclosure practices and the perception of conflicts of interest in the social media sphere. This survey examined the knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of current RDNs and social media best practices. With 163 respondents over the age of 18 and currently an RDN, part one of the survey included demographic questions, multiple choice and Likert scale questions regarding if they apply the best practices guidelines to their conduct on social media, how they feel paid promotion reflects on the profession of nutrition and dietetics as a whole, if paid promotions by RDNs on social media is ethical, and if they believed the current guidelines and best practices are clear enough for defining ethical lines for RDNs to make sponsored posts on social media. Part two, with 50 participants continuing on from part one, included nine open-ended questions regarding social media knowledge, attitudes and behaviors regarding RDN social media influencing. The demographics of this survey population aligned with the participants in the 2024 compensation and Benefits survey by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, with 84% being White and 95.7% being female. The majority of participants were active social media users. Although the majority were not influencers, several participants said they would take a sponsorship, many thought the promotion on social media by RDNs reflected negatively on the profession, and almost half the participants felt the act of disclosure was enough for the public to be informed of the relationship of the RDN and the brand. Using thematic analysis, the results of this survey showed many RDNs support the use of social media by RDNs to sponsor products and brands that are evidence-based. There is a belief among participants that because other health professionals do it, it should not be an issue or restricted for RDNs to also create sponsored social media content. Finally, promoting only evidence-based products was important to the participants. Suggestions for improving the guidelines for best practices on social media included refining the clarity and ease of the guidelines using educational materials such as webpages and videos, reusable disclosure statements and potential fact-checking systems.
• The Anchorage School District (ASD) Project Management Curriculum Project

  Wigren, Julia (University of Alaska Anchorage, 2025-05-01)

  The growing need for project management (PM) skills in post-secondary careers presents a significant opportunity for early career preparation. Industry projections indicate that millions of professionals will be needed in project management-oriented roles in the coming years. As the workforce becomes increasingly project-based, the demand for well-trained early career project managers continues to rise. Ensuring that students gain PM skills before graduation provides them with a competitive advantage in the job market. Recognizing this opportunity, the Anchorage School District (ASD) sought to incorporate PM education into its newly implemented Academies of Anchorage, aiming to prepare students for college, career, and life. This initiative created a need for a PM curriculum framework tailored to high school students. This project researched, developed, and secured approval for a PM curriculum framework that aligns with ASD’s goals, equipping students with essential project management skills for future success.
• Providence Alaska Medical Center Research Support Services Roles and Workflows

  Cardenas, Louise Marie (University of Alaska Anchorage, 2025-05-01)

  This project addresses a critical gap in an oncology research department at a large Alaska healthcare provider by developing a comprehensive guide that documents the roles, responsibilities, and workflows of key positions. The department includes three research nurses, a pediatric Clinical Research Associate (CRA), an adult CRA, a regulatory coordinator, and a manager. Currently, no formal documentation exists to outline the foundational operational workflows of each role, resulting in isolated knowledge and the risk of operational disruptions if staff turnover occurs. This project aims to safeguard against these risks by thoroughly documenting the core functions, processes, and interdependencies of each position. The resulting guides will serve as an essential resource for onboarding new staff, ensuring the continuity of institutional knowledge, and fostering cross-functional collaboration among team members. Additionally, the guides will enhance the department’s ability to standardize operations, improve efficiency, accountability, and organizational maturity. Beyond acting as a knowledge base, this resource will provide a structured framework to support departmental growth, enabling it to justify budgetary needs, scale operations effectively, and adapt to future changes. Ultimately, this project will ensure the department’s resilience and sustainability by preserving critical knowledge and aligning team efforts with organizational goals.

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