UNCW School of Health and Applied Human Sciences

05/29/2026

The Recreation Therapy program and Campus Recreation are partners in offering inclusive, adaptive recreation opportunities for all abilities and interests. From wheelchair sports like tennis, basketball, rugby, and ultimate frisbee to goal ball and yoga, there’s something for everyone – and a new website where you can find resources, equipment, and opportunities all in one place. Click here to learn more: https://uncw.edu/seahawk-life/health-wellness/campus-recreation/adaptive-recreation

05/28/2026

After a global health internship in Peru helped reshape her career path, UNCW graduate Nicky Mendoza is turning her passion for public health into a career focused on community impact. After graduating this May, Mendoza is taking the next step in healthcare and health policy while continuing her commitment to making care more compassionate and accessible for others. Read more here: https://uncw.edu/news/academic-affairs/chhs/2026/05/uncw-graduate-pursues-public-and-global-health-career

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05/14/2026

UNCW researchers Department of Computer Science Professor Karl Ricanek Jr. and School of Health and Applied Human Sciences Associate Professor Alex McDaniel have been awarded NCInnovation funding to advance NeuroWeaveAI, a groundbreaking fabric based brain health monitoring platform designed for at home use.

This technology has the potential to transform how we understand sleep and neurological health—especially for people living with TBI, PTSD, epilepsy, and chronic sleep disorders. By combining fabric-as-a-sensor tech, AI-driven analysis, secure neural data handling, and a mobile app, the team is bringing long term brain monitoring out of the clinic and into everyday life.

With support from NCInnovation and partnerships like Wilmington-based Nuream Inc., the first commercial product—a smart pillowcase—is expected to be the first commercial application
Read the full story:

A research team developing an at-home, fabric-based neural sleep monitoring platform is the latest from UNC Wilmington to be selected for NCInnovation funding. The NCInnovation Board of Directors unanimously approved $7.9 million in funding to support nine applied research projects across North Caro...

05/14/2026

Prior to commencement, the School of Health and Applied Human Sciences recognized outstanding students in each degree program. These awards recognize those who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, leadership, service, and dedication to their fields of study. Congratulations to all!

05/13/2026

Four CHHS faculty, along with a faculty member in the Department of Psychology, have been awarded FY27 internal catalytic funding through Research and Innovation’s Charles L. Cahill Grants for Faculty Scholarship.

Their interdisciplinary project, “HPV Vaccination Rates Among College-Aged Males,” will explore peer-led strategies to improve awareness, access and vaccination uptake among young adults.

Congratulations to :
Mudassar Arain, clinical assistant professor, School of Nursing
Maria Espinosa-Hernandez, professor and chair, Department of Psychology
Diane Parker, clinical assistant professor, School of Nursing
Shaila Strayhorn-Carter, assistant professor, School of Health and Applied Human Sciences
Erin Wax, clinical assistant professor, School of Nursing

Click here to learn more: https://uncw.edu/news/research/2026/05/fy27-catalytic-funding-awardees?utm_source=iContact&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=swoop&utm_content=SWOOP%3A+May+12%2C+2026

05/12/2026

Soaring high in the classroom and on gameday, Skylar Spencer ’26 has been successful in keeping an important secret ... that Sammy C. Hawk is aspecialistin recreation therapy.

Spencergraduated from therecreationtherapy program this May, with aspirations to become a certified recreation specialist. She serves as theassistantcoordinator ofadaptiverecreation,where she is tasked with learning and teaching others about various adaptive sports, how toutilizeadaptiveequipmentand helpingfacilitatebi-weekly adaptive sports nights.

Read more about Skylar’s journey here: https://uncw.edu/news/seahawk-stories/2026/05/spencer-skylar

04/30/2026

The College of Health and Human Services shone bright at UNCW’s 2026 Faculty Awards! At this year’s “Soaring Together: Celebrating Our Faculty” event on April 28, UNCW recognized outstanding faculty achievement, innovation and dedication across campus and CHHS faculty were among those leading the way.

Congratulations to the following CHHS honorees:

Stephanie Duea (SON), J. Marshall Crews Distinguished Faculty Award

Alexander McDaniel (SHAHS), Distinguished Faculty Scholar Award

Anka Roberto (SON, Chancellor’s Teaching Excellence Award

Click here to read more: https://uncw.edu/news/2026/04/uncw-celebrates-2026-faculty-award-recipients

04/14/2026

Support SHAHS students as they improve lives, achieve their dreams, and become future healthcare leaders. When we reach $250 in gifts, it will unlock an additional $250 for our school. Donate here: https://bit.ly/seahawks-give

04/14/2026

From athletic training and public health to gerontology and respiratory therapy, our students and alumni are helping people of all ages and abilities lead healthier, happier lives. Your donation during provides needed funds to support the next generation of healthcare professionals. Donate here: https://bit.ly/seahawks-give

03/30/2026

“Paris is always a good idea.” 🇫🇷

CHHS is offering a Fall 2026 faculty-led study abroad program in Paris, giving students the chance to spend the semester living and studying in the City of Light!

Students will reside at the Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris and take UNCW courses in the Latin Quarter while participating in cultural activities, field trips, and excursions throughout France. The semester-long program also includes opportunities for independent travel and immersive cultural experiences.

August 26 – December 18
Apply by April 1

The program is open to all undergraduate students and helps participants fulfill several University Studies requirements while progressing toward graduation.

Learn more and apply today here: uncw.edu/abroad