Author: Davis, Jini

Public Health Career Paths | UConn MPH Alumni Spotlight: Mayra’s Journey

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What does a career in public health really look like after graduation? In this alumni spotlight, we sit down with Mayra, a UConn MPH graduate (December 2025), to talk about her academic journey, career path, and what she does now as a public health professional.

Mayra shares how the UConn Master of Public Health (MPH) program prepared her for her current role at the Hispanic Health Council, the skills she gained along the way, and the mentors who made a lasting impact on her academic experience. This conversation offers real insight for students exploring public health careers and anyone considering an MPH degree.

If you’re curious about careers you can pursue with an MPH, what life is like after graduation, or how a public health program can support your goals, this video is for you.

Public Health 101: Empower Your Community

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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.

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.

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

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:

Congrats to Ella Stanwood!

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Ella Stanwood Headshot

We are thrilled to share that Ella Stanwood, a dedicated student from the UConn Department of Public Health Sciences, has been selected for the CT Department of Public Health’s Public Health Fellowship Program. This program is made possible with CDC Public Health Infrastructure Grant funding and is coordinated by the Yale School of Public Health’s Office of Community & Practice!

The Connecticut Public Health Fellowship Program (PHFP) connects emerging public health professionals with hands-on experience in state and local public health agencies — offering real-world opportunities to make a tangible difference in our communities. This competitive fellowship supports students who are driven to explore careers in public health practice and service, and it includes a stipend to help support their work. 

During her fellowship, she will be placed with a Connecticut public health agency where she will work alongside experienced professionals, engage in meaningful projects, and help advance essential public health services that keep communities safe and healthy. 

This fellowship not only provides invaluable professional experience but also strengthens the bridge between academic training and public health practice.

Please join us in congratulating Ella Stanwood on this well-deserved achievement! We can’t wait to see her continue to shine and contribute to a healthier, more equitable future for all.

Supporting Our Community: Winter Donation Drive 2025

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Donation Drive Extended Through January!

This winter, our department is proud to support two impactful initiatives dedicated to serving Hartford residents: Hands On Hartford and Community Service Officer Jim Barrett’s Homeless Outreach Program. As the colder months arrive and financial instability continues to rise, community support is more important than ever.

About Community Service Officers & Officer Jim Barrett
Community Service Officers work directly within Hartford neighborhoods, building relationships, attending community events, and addressing quality-of-life concerns. Officer Jim Barrett, the city’s homeless outreach officer, goes above and beyond to support unhoused individuals. Operating out of a renovated bomb squad truck turned mobile care unit, he provides supplies, resources, and connections to social services. His compassionate work has been recognized locally and nationally.

About Hands On Hartford
Hands On Hartford strengthens the community through housing support, food access, homelessness prevention, and outreach services. Their MANNA Community Pantry, Backpack Nutrition Program, Supportive Housing, and Shared Use Kitchen all play a crucial role in meeting basic needs and fostering long-term stability. Their participation-based restaurant, Gather55, welcomes everyone—regardless of ability to pay—creating a space where community and compassion meet over a shared meal.

They also operate a Day Program that provides referrals, shelter support, health screenings, and a safe environment for those experiencing homelessness. With more than 1,400 volunteers each year and support from civic, faith-based, and organizational partners, Hands On Hartford continues to create a healthier, more inclusive Hartford for all.

How You Can Help
This year, many community members are facing reduced assistance, unexpected hardships, and limited access to food or warm clothing. Even small contributions can make a meaningful difference—especially items like $5 fast-food gift cards, which provide unhoused individuals the opportunity to purchase a warm meal.

Most-needed items include:

  • Financial contributions –
    Please contact the following emails:

    jindavis@uchc.edu, lcook@uchc.edu, samociuk@uchc.edu, and parris@uchc.edu

  • Nonperishable food

  • Full-size toiletries & household essentials

  • Food for children’s backpack nutrition program

  • Snack kits for outreach

  • Hygiene products

  • Cold-weather gear

  • $5 fast-food gift cards to Mcdonalds, Burger King and Dunkin Donuts

  • Bus passes

Your generosity directly supports individuals and families navigating challenging times. Thank you for helping us make a positive impact this winter.

12th Week- Fall 2025 – Wednesday Night Session

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Dr. Brown smiling at podium in the academic rotunda

Our 12th Week Enrichment series continued with an evening dedicated to connection—both academic and personal growth. The night began with a Student Advisory Session, where MPH students met with their major advisors to discuss their progress, share experiences, and seek guidance. Faculty were also encouraged to attend, creating a valuable space for mentorship, open dialogue, and community support.

Following advising, the focus shifted from academic planning to relational learning with Rey Bermudez, educator, movement facilitator, and founder of The Relational Dance. With over 30 years of experience across dance instruction, human services, and education, Mr. Bermudez led the group through Relational Dance for Professionals—a dynamic workshop designed to cultivate emotionally intelligent, relationship-centered professionals.

Grounded in three core principles—the Identity of Value, the Practice of Connection, and the Power of Consistency—the session helped participants explore self-awareness, communication, and consistent relational habits that build trust, accountability, and collaboration. Students also practiced strategies for relational leadership and team culture building. And of course, everyone had the chance to move!

It was an evening that blended advising, reflection, and movement—reminding us that growth in public health happens not only in classrooms, but also through connection, mentorship, and community.

Advancing Menopause Equity: Lessons from The Power of the Pause Celebration

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Members of our department recently attended The Power of the Pause Celebration, an event dedicated to uplifting community voices and promoting menopause equity—a critical but often overlooked public health issue.

The event brought together advocates, health professionals, and community members to discuss the unique challenges individuals face during midlife, especially those from marginalized and underserved groups. Conversations centered on how social determinants of health—such as access to care, income, race, and gender identity—shape experiences of menopause and overall well-being.

For public health students, this celebration offered a powerful reminder: health equity doesn’t stop at reproductive age. Midlife health deserves the same level of attention, empathy, and research as other stages of life. Addressing menopause through a public health lens means recognizing how systemic inequities influence access to information, culturally competent care, and supportive environments.

As proud sponsors of this initiative, we’re committed to advocating for a future where all individuals navigating menopause are seen, heard, and supported. Public health plays a vital role in shaping that future—through research, policy, and community engagement that prioritize inclusivity and compassion.

Together, we can continue to redefine what equitable midlife health looks like and ensure that every stage of life is met with dignity and understanding.

Explore photos from the event below and learn more about the movement toward menopause equity.

MPH 12th Week Schedule – Fall 2025

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This event series is exclusively for MPH students and faculty. Each session provides valuable opportunities for learning, connection, and professional development.

Important Information:

  • Attendance is mandatory for all MPH students.

  • Faculty members are invited to participate in the virtual webinars on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

  • Students must register for the Wednesday night in-person event using the registration form provided to track attendance.

Event Schedule

Tuesday, November 11, 2025 | 6:00 – 7:30 PM

Virtual Webinar
Topic: Health Coverage at Risk: Projected Losses in Medicaid & Access Health CT
Contact: info@ctdatahaven.org
Speaker: Mark Abraham, MPH
Executive Director of DataHaven

This session will explore projected losses in Medicaid and Access Health CT, discussing the implications for healthcare access across Connecticut.

Wednesday, November 12, 2025 | 5:30 PM

Location: Academic Rotunda

Student Advisory Session (5:30 – 6:00 PM)
Meet with your major advisor and connect with peers for guidance and support.
Faculty are strongly encouraged to attend this session to engage with their advisees.

Relational Dance for Professionals
A dynamic learning program designed to cultivate emotionally intelligent, relationship-centered professionals across diverse fields.
Grounded in three core principles:

  • The Identity of Value

  • The Practice of Connection

  • The Power of Consistency

Program Director Updates
Hear the latest news from the Program Director, including department updates, important reminders, and upcoming opportunities.

Thursday, November 13, 2025 | 6:00 – 7:30 PM

Virtual Webinar
Topic: Working with Public Data: Resources & Guidance from CT Data Collaborative
Contact: jill@ctdata.org
Speaker: Jill Walsh
Senior GIS & Data Analyst, CT Data Collaborative

This webinar offers practical insights into accessing and using public data effectively for research and program evaluation.

Reminders

  • Attendance is mandatory for students at all events.

  • Faculty are encouraged to attend the Wednesday advisory session in person.

  • Students must complete the registration form for the Wednesday night event to confirm attendance.

PHLAME Event – Communicating for Career Success

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You can’t prepare for every interview question—but you can prepare to communicate with confidence. This workshop explores interview etiquette and formats, provides strategies for answering tough questions, and reviews the essentials of professional communication, including outreach and strategic thank-you messages. We will also discuss the effective use of GenAI to support your communication goals. Attend this session to strengthen your ability to convey the best of what you have to offer with clarity, professionalism, and purpose.

Join us for this valuable session from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM on October 21, designed to help you strengthen your interview skills and professional communication in public health and beyond.

This session is offered virtually. The registration link is attached below.

Please email publichealth@uchc.edu if you encounter any issues with the link to join virtually.

Register here

MPH Fall ’25 Students Give Back at Hartford Service Event

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Students smiling in a group photo

This fall, our MPH students kicked off the semester with an afternoon of service at the Metropolitan AME Zion Church in Hartford.

Led by Dr. Amy Hunter, the students partnered with SAVE (Saving African American Village), a local organization that collaborates with Amazon each month to bring essential household items to community members in need. These items are distributed at no cost through a monthly community store hosted at the church.

As part of the service event, MPH students worked together to prepare donations, organize supplies, and set up the space for the upcoming community store. Their efforts directly support families across Hartford, helping ensure that vital resources are accessible to those who need them most.

“Today is about more than just preparing for tomorrow’s store,” said Dr. Hunter. “It’s about showing our students what it means to be involved in public health at the community level and the impact they can make.”

Events like this are a cornerstone of the MPH experience at UConn. Beyond the classroom, students gain hands-on opportunities to engage with communities, support health equity initiatives, and build relationships that shape their future careers in public health.

We are proud of our Fall ’25 MPH cohort for demonstrating the spirit of service and leadership that defines public health.

Help Us Make a Difference This Summer

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The Department of Public Health Sciences at UConn Health is proud to host a food drive benefiting Hands On Hartford, a local organization dedicated to strengthening community safety nets and addressing food insecurity.

As Hands On Hartford has shared, “We are seeing record numbers of participants utilizing our community pantry, and spring/summer is generally when food donations are slow.” That’s why your support is more crucial than ever.

Collection Dates:
July 9 – August 13

Drop-Off Locations:

  • Academic Entrance Lobby

  • Munson Road Main Entrance Lobby

  • 195 Farmington Avenue, Ste 2100

Most Needed Items Include:
Canned Fruit
Canned Vegetables
Beans
All Non-Perishable Items
Full-Size Toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, etc.)
Breakfast Foods (cereal, oatmeal, pancake mix)

By contributing, you’re directly helping to stock pantry shelves for families and individuals in need. Whether you’re a staff member, student, or local partner, your donations matter.

For questions or concerns, please contact us at (860) 679-5470.
Together, we can show what it means to care in action.

Take a look at some of our past donation drives!

  • David Rulnick, Fiscal Administrative Assistant