Public Health 101: Empower Your Community

Posted on by

Public health is everywhere. It shapes the air we breathe, the food we eat, the policies that affect our daily lives, and the systems that keep communities healthy. And it needs people from all backgrounds.

Whether you’re studying engineering, biology, psychology, business, environmental studies, or something completely different, Public Health 101 is designed to show how your skills and interests can make a real-world impact.

This student-led, classroom-based session offers an approachable introduction to public health—what it is, what professionals do day-to-day, and how public health works behind the scenes to support communities locally and globally.

Snack and drinks will be provided.

Session Dates & Locations

UConn Waterbury

Tuesday, February 10, 2026
12:30 – 1:45 PM
Room 203

Panelists:

  • Dr. Angela Bermudez – Public Health Sciences
  • Dr. Mayte Restrepo – Public Health Sciences
  • Dr. Anna-Michelle McSorley – Allied Health Sciences

This session will focus on how public health research and practice directly support and strengthen communities, with examples rooted in real-world impact.

Register for this session: UConn Waterbury Public Health 101: Empower Your Community – Fill out form

UConn Hartford

Thursday, February 19, 2026
12:30 – 1:45 PM
HTB 216

Panelists:

  • Dr. Shayna Cunningham – Public Health Sciences
  • Dr. Amy Hunter – Public Health Sciences

This session will highlight interdisciplinary public health work and how research, education, and policy intersect to improve population health.

Register for this session: UConn Hartford – Public Health 101: Empower Your Community – Fill out form

UConn Storrs

Thursday, February 26, 2026
12:30 – 1:45 PM
Student Union 104

Focus: FastTrack Program & Environmental Health

Panelists:

  • Dr. David Gregorio – Public Health Sciences
  • Dr. Misti Levy-Zamora – Public Health Sciences

This session will spotlight how environmental health connects to public health and provide an overview of the UConn MPH FastTrack program for students interested in accelerating their path to graduate study.

Register for this session: UConn Storrs- Public Health 101: Empower Your Community – Fill out form

What You’ll Learn

Public Health 101 breaks down the field in a clear, engaging way, focusing on prevention, systems, and population-level impact rather than individual patient care. Through real examples, discussion, and visuals, you’ll explore how public health intersects with:

  • Health policy and advocacy
  • Disease prevention and health promotion
  • Environmental and occupational health
  • Mental health and social justice
  • Community-based research and outreach

You’ll also see how public health connects directly to student life and everyday decision-making.

Interactive and Student-Led

Led by current UConn MPH students, these sessions are designed to be interactive, welcoming, and low-pressure. There’s plenty of time to ask questions and hear honest perspectives about:

  • The UConn MPH student experience
  • Career pathways in public health
  • Tuition-saving opportunities and academic options

No prior public health experience is required—just curiosity.

Panels, People, and Real-World Perspectives

Each session features a panel of faculty, researchers, students, and public health professionals who bring different perspectives to the conversation. Panelists will share what led them to public health, what their work looks like day-to-day, and how their research or practice empowers communities.

And yes—snacks and drinks will be provided, because learning is better fueled.

Why Public Health at UConn?

During each session, you’ll also learn about the academic pathways available through the UConn Department of Public Health Sciences, including:

  • Full-Time MPH
  • Part-Time MPH
  • Graduate Certificates
  • PhD in Public Health Sciences

UConn’s MPH program is CEPH-accredited and known for its interdisciplinary faculty, real-world projects, student-led research, and strong community partnerships—along with opportunities to save on tuition.

Is This Session for You?

If you’re:

  • Curious about public health
  • Thinking about grad school
  • Interested in using your degree to make an impact
  • Or simply exploring your options

Public Health 101 is an easy, low-commitment way to see where you fit and how you can empower your community.

We hope to see you there.

Registration links: