UNCW College of Health and Human Services (CHHS)

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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05/19/2026

Celebrate the power of discovery this Clinical Trials Day (May 20)!

At UNC Wilmington, our Clinical Research undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs prepare future professionals to make a real impact in advancing health and improving lives. Through industry-aligned curriculum, internships, and a strong foundation in research ethics and practice, students gain the skills needed to thrive in the clinical research industry.

Join us in honoring the professionals and participants who make clinical trials possible—and the future leaders we’re proud to train right here at UNCW! Explore our programs here: https://uncw.edu/academics/colleges/chhs/schools/school-nursing/clinical-research

05/19/2026

Expanding your impact can change lives. Our Master of Science in Clinical Research & Product Development program prepares students like Kayla Mayberry to make a difference where it matters most. Ready to find your why? Visit uncw.edu/clr learn more.

05/19/2026

Expanding your impact can change lives. Our Master of Science in Clinical Research & Product Development program prepares students like Kayla Mayberry to make a difference where it matters most. Ready to find your why? Visit uncw.edu/clr learn more.

https://youtu.be/PSne00VL2OQ?si=__Oih3Fx2a_thO-o

Expanding your impact can change lives. Our Master of Science in Cl...

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

Join us for a powerful conversation about menopause—because understanding your body, your options, and how to advocate for your care has never been more important.

At this upcoming Menopause Summit, participants will explore evidence-based insights into what’s happening inside your body during menopause, learn about treatment options, and walk away with practical strategies to improve health and quality of life—all in an engaging, supportive environment (with lunch included).

This event also supports the important work of 4th Trimester Mission

Secure your spot today for $25, register here: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=gWcTIlOXdUyvKGigeIcevxuJNQPKpSROhFvJdlv5YldURVNaODRHRVg2QVY1MVg1VDBZSjVSVkJVNS4u&route=shorturl

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 a specialist in recreation therapy.

Spencer graduated from the recreation therapy program this May, with aspirations to become a certified recreation specialist. She serves as the assistant coordinator of adaptive recreation, where she is tasked with learning and teaching others about various adaptive sports, how to utilize adaptive equipment and helping facilitate bi-weekly adaptive sports nights.

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