The 2026 Master of Public Health (MPH) Poster Session showcased the breadth, depth, and real-world impact of student research at UConn. From improving healthcare access to advancing chronic disease research, students presented projects that reflect both the challenges and opportunities facing public health today.
Research That Meets Real-World Needs
Students explored a wide range of pressing public health topics across Connecticut and beyond. One project examined access to over-the-counter birth control using a statewide “mystery caller” approach, highlighting gaps in availability and consistency across pharmacies.
Other students focused on chronic disease epidemiology, including research on long-term metformin use and its potential association with gastrointestinal cancer risk.
Accessibility and inclusion were also key themes, with one student developing a structured module designed to make dance recreation spaces more inclusive through education and assessment tools.
Addressing Health Equity in Connecticut
Several projects centered on underserved populations and health equity. Research on migrant and seasonal farmworkers in Connecticut identified critical barriers to healthcare, including access challenges, unmet health needs, and factors that influence care-seeking behavior.
These findings point toward actionable solutions, such as expanding mobile clinics and increasing investment in community health workers to better serve vulnerable communities across the state.
From Classroom to Career
Beyond the research itself, the poster session highlighted where these future public health professionals are headed next.
Graduates are moving into a variety of impactful roles, including:
- Residency programs in internal medicine and anesthesiology
- Careers in clinical and research settings
- Positions in government and public health agencies
These next steps reflect the program’s strong emphasis on applying public health training in real-world settings—whether through patient care, research, or policy work.
A Launchpad for Impact
The MPH Poster Session is more than a capstone—it’s a launching point. Students leave not only with research experience, but with the skills to translate data into action, advocate for communities, and contribute to meaningful change in public health.
As this year’s graduates step into the next phase of their careers, their work continues to shape healthier communities across Connecticut and beyond.
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On March 26, UConn’s 2026 Health Equity Research Symposium & Poster Session brought together students, faculty, researchers, and community partners to explore how collaboration and applied frameworks can drive meaningful progress toward health equity. Rooted in the theme “Rooted in Connection: Co‑Creating Equity Through Collaboration,” the symposium emphasized translating equity principles into action across research, teaching, and practice.
