Announcements

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 Yale Public Health Fellowship Program administered through 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: UConn Health MPH Partner with Hands on Hartford

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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.

  • PHS-HandsOnHartford

2025-2026 Segal Scholars: Mevlana Iljazi & Laura Contreras

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Mevlana Iljazi

Raised in an Albanian immigrant household in Waterbury, CT, Mevlana brings a lived understanding of health inequities to her public health work. Witnessing people in her life struggle with addiction, stigmatizing care, and limited access to services ignited her commitment to equity-focused practice. A first-generation college graduate (B.S. in Allied Health Sciences, minor in Psychological Sciences, UConn ’25), she is now pursuing an MPH at the UConn School of Medicine (expected May 2027).

Her experience spans frontline care and research. In emergency departments at Connecticut Children’s and Bristol Hospital and in laboratory client services at Hartford Hospital, she supported diverse, often underserved patients while honing culturally responsive communication and coordination skills. Academically, she contributed to an international study on youth obesity and the Mediterranean diet, a meta-analytic project on cancer survivors and caregiver wellbeing, and a Health Disparities Institute evaluation using CBPR principles. The Segal Scholars Fund will enable her to deepen this community-engaged research and training, with a career goal of leading programs that expand equitable care, reduce addiction stigma, and improve mental health access for immigrant and low-income communities.

Laura Contreras

Raised in a predominantly Spanish-speaking community in Connecticut, Laura learned early how language barriers, misinformation, and limited cultural humility can derail care. Translating medical terminology for family as a child sparked her commitment to bridge gaps in communication and trust. A recent UConn graduate (B.S. in Allied Health Sciences; concentration in Public Health & Health Promotion; minor in Culture, Health & Human Development), she is entering the UConn MPH program with a focus on epidemiology and community health.

Lauren’s experience blends research, outreach, and frontline service. She supported Spanish-speaking residents as a translator with Waterbury’s mobile vaccination clinic and advanced oral-health education during a nonprofit internship, designing bilingual outreach materials and engagement plans. As a Research Assistant in the Racial Trauma & Health Lab, she conducted literature reviews and contributed to project planning; as a Resident Assistant and staff member at the Puerto Rican/Latin American Cultural Center, she fostered inclusive, health-promoting environments. Study-abroad service in Cusco, Peru, further deepened her cultural competence. With fluency in Spanish and a passion for clear, culturally responsive health education, Laura aims to pair epidemiologic training with community-facing work—promoting healthy behaviors, building trust, and serving as a role model for other first-generation students pursuing advanced education.

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

Dr. Stacey Brown Officially Program Director

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Dr. Stacey Brown smiling

Public Health Program Leadership Transition

After 20 years, Dr. David Gregorio, Professor of Public Health Sciences, has stepped down as director of UConn’s Program in Applied Public Health Sciences, the home UConn’s MPH and PhD degrees.  During his tenure, the program became nationally recognized for its emphasis on interprofessional public health practice, while achieving substantial enrollment growth, expanding its dual degrees options with social work, law, pharmacy and dental medicine, implementing graduate certificates on foundations of public health, disability studies, and the social determinants of health (the substance of which is a requirement of School of Medicine graduates), and facilitating MPH pathways for medical residents and fellows.   Such commitment to education also led to initiation of public health coursework for Storrs student along with a popular FastTrack 4+1 BA/BS+MPH option for UConn undergraduates.  Beginning in Fall 2025, UConn’s PUBH 1001 Introduction to Public Health will be available for credit to Connecticut High Schools through UConn’s Early College Experience.

Dr. Gregorio presently is a Senior Accreditation Visitor for the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) and previously served as President of the Association for Prevention Teaching and Research (APTR) and founding member of the National Board for Public Health Examiners (NBPHE), Inc.  His research and teaching focuses on the application of epidemiology in advancing disease control policy/practices relevant to the social determinants of chronic disease.  In returning to his position with the faculty, Dr. Gregorio will teach a graduate seminar on the Political Determinants of Health along with his undergraduate Introduction to Public Health course that consistently enrolls more than 200 undergraduates.   He a recent recipient of a three year, $1.9M award (“Education-Enhanced Pipeline to a Public Health Science Corps”) from the Connecticut Department of Public Health to foster a statewide culture that promotes public health readiness in communities, while increasing the number and professional abilities of public health workers in Connecticut.

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Stacey Brown, Associate Professor of Public Health Sciences, has assumed the position as Director.  She previously served as Associate Program Director and Coordinator of Dual Degree Programs and the Applied Practice Experience, where she led the development of an innovative, two-semester Practicum that now serves as a model for accredited Master of Public Health programs nationwide.

Dr. Brown, a long-standing and deeply engaged member of our academic community brings a wealth of experience, innovation, and collaborative leadership to this role.  A distinguished educator and community-engaged scholar, Dr. Brown has received numerous honors, including the Joan Segal Outstanding Faculty Award (2020), the Health Career Opportunity Programs Faculty Recognition Award (2021), and in 2022, both the UConn Provost’s Distinguished Instructor Award for Excellence in Community Engaged Scholarship and the 100 Women of Color Award for her exceptional contributions to education and community health.

Dr. Brown’s leadership is grounded in deep community engagement. Over the past two decades, she has collaborated with faculty and community partners to develop curricula that illuminate the social, economic, and political determinants of health. She has also spearheaded initiatives in cultural competency, patient advocacy, and behavioral health, with a particular focus on strengthening student learning through partnerships with community-based organizations.

Her commitment to equity and public health is further reflected in her roles as a local and national Fellow with organizations such as UConn’s Institute for Collaboration on Health, Intervention and Policy, UConn’s Service-Learning Program, the Connecticut Health Foundation, the Health Equity Leadership Institute, and the Cross-Cultural Health Care Training Program.

She also contributes her expertise as a member of the State of Connecticut Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Commission and has served on the boards of the Connecticut Harm Reduction Alliance and Family Life Education. Dr. Brown’s appointment marks a new chapter of growth and innovation for the Program in Applied Public Health Sciences. Please join us in recognizing Dr. Gregorio for his service and congratulating Dr. Brown on this well-deserved recognition and leadership role.

Join UConn Public Health Sciences in Supporting Survivors

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The UConn Department of Public Health Sciences is proud to support the Prudence Crandall Center by gathering essential items for survivors of domestic violence. Your donations will directly assist individuals and families in need, providing the basics that help them begin a new chapter with dignity and security. Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of survivors by meeting their immediate needs through thoughtful contributions.

We invite you to donate any of the following high-priority items, which will be delivered to the Prudence Crandall Center as part of our commitment to building healthier, safer communities.

Items Needed:

  • Gift Cards: For groceries, clothing, gas, and essential household items (especially Visa, Walmart, Target, and grocery stores).
  • Household Essentials: New bedding (sheets, blankets, comforters), towels, and small kitchen appliances.
  • Personal Care Products: Hygiene items, including shampoo, soap, deodorant, and other daily essentials.
  • Children’s Items: Diapers (sizes 4, 5, and 6), baby wipes, and new toys for various age groups.
  • Cleaning Supplies: Laundry detergent, disinfectants, and other household cleaning products.

Your donations are crucial in helping us support the Prudence Crandall Center’s mission. Thank you for joining us in empowering survivors on their path to a brighter future.

2024 Graduation Dinner & Commencement

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On first week of May, the department of Public Health Sciences celebrated the remarkable achievements of its graduating class with a memorable Graduation Dinner and Commencement Ceremony. Held at Academic Rotunda, the event was a joyous occasion filled with laughter, heartfelt speeches, and a sense of accomplishment that marked the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.

Graduation Dinner

The evening began with a delightful dinner, where graduates, faculty, and family members gathered to honor the hard work and dedication that led to this momentous day. The venue was beautifully decorated, creating an elegant and festive atmosphere. Attendees enjoyed a gourmet meal, complete with a variety of delicious dishes that catered to all tastes.

Throughout the dinner, guests were treated to a series of speeches. Distinguished alumni and esteemed faculty members shared inspiring words, reflecting on the journey of the graduates and offering advice for their future endeavors. The highlight of the evening was the recognition of outstanding students who had excelled academically and contributed significantly to the department and community.

Commencement Ceremony

Following the dinner, the Commencement Ceremony commenced with the traditional procession of graduates. Clad in their caps and gowns, the graduates walked proudly to the stage, greeted by applause from their loved ones and mentors. The ceremony was a testament to their perseverance, resilience, and the knowledge they had gained during their time at the university.

We invite you to browse through the photo gallery to relive the memories of this special occasion. Congratulations to the Class of 2024! We are incredibly proud of your achievements and look forward to seeing the incredible things you will accomplish in the future.

  • Graduation photo of MPH graduates of 2024

12th week is here! – Spring Semester 2024

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Get ready for an enriching and eye-opening experience during our 12th-week event, specially designed to engage students and the wider community in the fascinating world of Applied Public Health Sciences. We’ve lined up three outstanding speakers, each addressing critical topics that resonate with today’s global challenges. You won’t want to miss this unique opportunity to expand your horizons and gain insights from renowned experts in the field!

📅 **Mark Your Calendar for April 2nd- April 4th, 2024!**

📢 **Here’s a sneak peek at our phenomenal lineup**:

🗓️ **April 2nd at 6pm: Dr. Cindy Miller**
🎙️ Topic: “Addressing barriers to quality, inclusive health and health care for persons with disabilities: Building the workforce capacity for systems change”

Link:https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_MGIxNDFmNWMtZWEzMC00MTJkLTk2NjQtMTExNzA3YTY2ZmU2%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%225c82d83a-818a-4c16-b540-ded2344a7ad3%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22e44b7ee9-5d93-457c-a1c2-49ef27740214%22%7d

Bio: Dr. Cindy Miller is a physician, educator, and advocate for access to health care for persons with disabilities. After completing her medical education at George Washington University and completing post-graduate training at GW and its affiliated hospitals, she practiced pediatric radiology at Duke University Medical Center before being recruited to Yale as Section Chief of Pediatric Radiology. The second half of her career at Yale was marked by a switch to thoracic radiology and by her becoming involved in developing and implementing curriculum on disability and chronic disease. She continues to teach medical students and recently has begun teaching residents in primary care medicine about this important topic.

After retiring from Yale in 2018, she pursued an MSW with a concentration in Community Practice for Social Change. This led to her recognition of the power of advocacy. Following an introduction to the Secretary of the Citizens’ Coalition for Equal Access, she has become passionate about the Coalition’s work to ensure that medical facilities are equipped with all that is necessary to enable those with physical disabilities to receive a complete physical exam and has testified before the State legislature regarding this on 2 separate occasions.

🗓️ **April 3rd at 6:30pm in the Rotunda: Logan Zhang**
🎙️ Topic: “Mindfulness for Students and Professionals”

Bio: He has been deeply interested in meditation and mindfulness techniques for several years. What started as a method to improve my focus and productivity has become a life changing passion of his. On behalf of UConn Health’s wellness committee, he has led many guided meditation sessions and taught courses on mindfulness applications in a healthcare/professional context.

🗓️ **April 4th: Brooke Kline and Rona Rohbar at 6pm**
🎙️ Topic: Complex Disparities: Fundamental Issues in Refugee & Immigrant Health

Link:https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_NGZkMmViMDAtNGZiNC00NGM1LTljYzUtMGMzMWM1MDFhYmQy%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%225c82d83a-818a-4c16-b540-ded2344a7ad3%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22e44b7ee9-5d93-457c-a1c2-49ef27740214%22%7d

Brooke’s Bio:
Brooke Kline is the Director of Operations for IRIS, overseeing training and compliance, monitoring and evaluation, program support services and human resources Brooke has nearly two decades of experience in the field of International Affairs, beginning her career as a Student Attorney in the Immigration Law and Policy Clinic at the University of Denver and, most recently, as Health Policy & Management Consultant at the Stillman Law Firm. She has lived and worked in Italy, India, Pakistan, South Sudan, Somalia, Myanmar, Sierra Leone, and Ethiopia. Brooke’s experience in these countries include working as a Law Clerk for the U.S. Department of Justice (Criminal Division – Office of Int’l Affairs), as an International Operations Manager for Motorearth, and as an Emergency Field Coordinator for Doctors Without Borders. She received her B.A. in Justice & Public Affairs from American University, her J.D from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law, and holds several medical certificates

Rona’s Bio: Originally from Afghanistan, Rona Rohbar immigrated to the United States with her family, and was resettled by IRIS in 2002. She is a dedicated health care advocate with 8 years of experience, driven by a passion for improving health outcomes. Currently, as the Health Department Manager at IRIS in New Haven, she serves as a cultural liaison, ensuring that refugees and Special Immigrant Visa holders receive comprehensive health care upon arrival. Rona is fluent in Pashto, Dari, Urdu, and English.

  • Cindy Miller