Event

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 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.

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:

MPH Information Sessions – Spring 2026

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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:

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

Register for dates here.

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

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.

MPH Information Sessions – Fall 2025

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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:

  1. Monday, November 10th, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM EST
  2. Wednesday, November 19th, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM EST
  3. Wednesday, December 10th, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM EST

Register for dates here.

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.

 

Master of Public Health Fall 2025 Information Session Flyer We will be holding three virtual info sessions on the following dates: Monday, November 10th, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM EST Wednesday, November 19th, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM EST Wednesday, December 10th, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM EST

PHLAME – Career Development Event

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PHLAME Career Development Flyer

 

 

Come join our 1st PHLAME event of the semester, career development! This event will be led by Kay Gruder, M.Ed., from the UConn Center for Career Readiness and Life Skills. The session will focus on creating/enhancing your LinkedIn profile, how to effectively use LinkedIn to network, and include CV and resume building.

This event will be held in-person on Wednesday, 9/17/25 from 3:00-4:00 PM in room U3071 A/B at 195 Farmington Avenue.

This event may also be joined remotely via Webex. See link below:

https://uconnhealth.webex.com/uconnhealth/j.php?MTID=m2b36b6fc2def60347db6b8a3033f94f7

Wednesday, September 17, 2025 3:00 PM | 1 hour 10 minutes | (UTC-04:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)

Meeting number: 2306 757 2151

Password: MnpAqTMn727

Join by video system

Dial 23067572151@uconnhealth.webex.com

You can also dial 173.243.2.68 and enter your meeting number.

Join by phone

+1-415-655-0001 US Toll

Access code: 230 675 72151

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.

Students Shine at Poster Session and Graduation Dinner

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The UConn Department of Public Health Sciences recently hosted two unforgettable events celebrating student achievement, research, and leadership.
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At the Public Health Poster Session, over 50 MPH students presented impactful research on a wide range of pressing public health issues. From health equity to community engagement, each poster was a testament to the passion and purpose our students bring to the field. The session was a powerful showcase of their dedication to inspiring change through evidence-based solutions.
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Later that night, the department gathered for the Public Health Sciences Graduation Dinner. It was a joyful evening filled with music, food, laughter, and well-earned recognition. Graduates were honored for their academic accomplishments and community contributions, with several students receiving awards for their outstanding work. Guests enjoyed performances by program directors, adding a personal touch to the celebration.
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The evening also marked a meaningful moment of transition as the department expressed deep gratitude to Dr. David Gregorio for his years of leadership, while warmly welcoming Dr. Stacey Brown as she steps into her new role as Program Director this July.
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Congratulations to the Class of 2025, we are so proud of all you have accomplished!
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  • Dr. Stacey Brown presenting to group at the graduation dinner

12th Week Recap: Spring 2025 Public Health Week Series

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Each semester during the 12th Week, the UConn MPH Program hosts a dynamic Public Health Week series designed to expand student knowledge and participation in interprofessional public health practice. This week featured a rich lineup of both in-person and virtual events that encouraged students to think critically and act decisively in public health settings.

On Tuesday, Dr. Peter Levine from Tufts University kicked off the week with a powerful virtual session on Civic Engagement and Public Health. He challenged conventional approaches to stakeholder engagement and emphasized the vital role of health professionals as active civic participants.

On Wednesday, the energy shifted in person with Stop-the-Bleed and Hands-Only CPR Training led by David Burich and volunteers from the North Branford Fire Department Ambulance Company. MPH students gathered in the Academic Rotunda for essential, hands-on emergency response training—equipping them with life-saving skills and deepening their commitment to public service. See the slideshow below.

Thursday’s virtual event, led by Susan Smith from the CT Department of Social Services, explores the complex intersections of civic administrative data, AI, and the evolving social compact. With decades of experience across state agencies, Smith brings a critical lens to the role of public institutions and data in a rapidly changing world.

Together, these sessions offered meaningful opportunities for learning, dialogue, and real-world skill building.