Public Health 101: Empower Your Community

January 15, 2026

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.

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.

UConn Storrs

Thursday, February 26, 2026
12:30 – 1:45 PM
Student Union 310 (Multi-Purpose Meeting Room)

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.

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:

MPH Information Sessions – Spring 2026

January 13, 2026

We are excited to announce that we will be hosting a series of information sessions to provide detailed insights into our Master of Public Health program. During these sessions, you will have the opportunity to explore the diverse field of public health and engage directly with the program director. You’ll also be able to ask questions, participate in discussions, and gain a deeper understanding of the unique advantages of UConn’s curriculum.

We will be holding three virtual info sessions on the following dates:

Monday, January 26th, 2026, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM EST
Wednesday, February 18th, 2026, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM EST
Tuesday, March 17th, 2026, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM EST

SAVE the DATES and JOIN us for these sessions and take the first step toward an exciting journey with UConn’s Master of Public Health program.

Spring 2026 MPH Info Sessions Flyer

Congrats to Ella Stanwood!

December 19, 2025

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

November 21, 2025

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

November 13, 2025

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

October 31, 2025

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

October 30, 2025

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

October 17, 2025

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.

Supporting Our Community: UConn Health MPH Partner with Hands on Hartford

October 14, 2025

At Department of Public Health Sciences, community engagement isn’t just a value, it’s part of who we are. Recently, we had the absolute pleasure of partnering with Hands on Hartford, a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing housing and food security and improving health for individuals and families in need.

As part of this initiative, we dropped off our department’s donated goods and met with Kelly, the organization’s Community Engagement and Partnerships & Communications Coordinator. Thanks to the generosity of our community and UConn Health colleagues, we were able to donate around 260 items to support their ongoing programs.

During our visit, Kelly shared inspiring insights into Hands on Hartford’s impactful work supporting residents throughout the city and the pressing challenges they’re facing. Her stories vividly reflect the difference community partnerships can make and how vital it is to continue lending a hand.

We left feeling deeply inspired and eager to explore future collaborations, including a potential video project to showcase Hands on Hartford’s incredible impact and highlight upcoming volunteer opportunities. Stay tuned for more on that!

If you’d like to get involved or support their mission, please visit: https://handsonhartford.org/volunteer/

These are their biggest needs right now:

1) Financial Contributions
2) Nonperishable food for our Community Pantry
3) Full Size toiletries and household essentials for our Community Pantry
4) Food for our kids’ backpack nutrition program
5) Snack kits for our Homeless Outreach Team

Together, small acts of kindness add up to lasting impact.