Event

Strengthen Your Professional Communication Skills with PHLAME

Posted on October 5, 2026October 5, 2026 by Julia Szczech

Strong communication skills can make all the difference when navigating interviews, building professional connections, and taking the next step in your career.

Join us for Communicating for Career Success, a professional development workshop designed to help students communicate with confidence, clarity, and purpose. Returning after last year’s session, the workshop will cover practical strategies students can use throughout the job search and beyond.

During the session, participants will explore interview etiquette and formats, strategies for navigating tough interview questions, and approaches to outreach and strategic messaging. The workshop will also discuss ways to use generative AI (GenAI) thoughtfully to support professional and career goals.

The session will be hosted by Kay Gruder and will provide students with practical tools for presenting their skills and experiences effectively in a variety of professional settings.

Event Details

Date: Tuesday, November 17, 2026
Time: 3:00 PM
Location: Virtual

Register here!

Whether you are preparing for an upcoming interview, beginning your job search, or simply looking to strengthen your professional communication skills, this session is an opportunity to build skills that can support you throughout your career.

Questions? Contact publichealth@uchc.edu.

Inspiring the Next Generation: MPH Alumni host mentoring event for CT high schools

Posted on May 26, 2026May 26, 2026 by Davis, Jini

UConn Health recently welcomed high school students from across Hartford for a dynamic and inspiring on-campus experience, marking the conclusion of a 10-week mentorship program under the Cato T. Laurencin Mentoring Programs.

The program paired UConn Health (UCH) students with students from Hartford Magnet Trinity College Academy (HMTCA), creating opportunities for mentorship, academic support, and exposure to careers in health and research. The final event, held from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., celebrated the dedication and achievements of both mentors and mentees.

Adding to the significance of the day, MPH alumni Raquel Rosa and Chelsea Erem were in attendance, representing the continued impact of UConn’s public health training and the importance of giving back to the community.

In addition to HMTCA participants, the event also welcomed approximately a dozen students from Princeton Technical High School, expanding the program’s reach and impact within the Hartford community.

Throughout the morning, students engaged in a variety of interactive and educational activities across campus. The program included:

A guided tour of UConn Health facilities
Research presentations delivered by both students and faculty
A hands-on experience in the simulation lab
Opportunities to connect directly with current UCH students

These experiences provided students with a firsthand look at academic pathways and careers in public health, medicine, and health sciences—helping to spark curiosity and build confidence in their future goals.

Inside the 2026 MPH Poster Session: Student Research Making an Impact

Posted on May 15, 2026May 15, 2026 by Davis, Jini

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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Congrats to class of 2026!

Posted on May 12, 2026May 12, 2026 by Davis, Jini

Celebrating the Class of 2026: From Research to Recognition to Commencement

The Department of Public Health Sciences proudly celebrated the Class of 2026 with a series of events that highlighted their hard work, achievements, and bright futures ahead.

The celebration began with the annual poster session, where students presented their research and shared the innovative work they’ve developed throughout their time in the program. The session offered a meaningful opportunity for students, faculty, and guests to engage with important public health topics and recognize the depth and diversity of student scholarship.

The festivities continued at the Graduation Dinner, an evening filled with celebration, connection, and reflection. Students, faculty, staff, and loved ones gathered to honor the accomplishments of the graduating class. The night featured awards recognizing outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and community impact, along with moments of joy captured at the photo booth and shared among peers.

These recognitions reflected not only success in the classroom, but also the real-world impact our graduates have already begun to make in their communities and beyond.

The celebration culminated at commencement, where graduates officially crossed the stage and marked the transition from students to public health professionals. It was a proud and inspiring moment, symbolizing years of dedication, perseverance, and passion.

As we celebrate the Class of 2026, we recognize their commitment to advancing public health and improving the well-being of communities everywhere.

Congratulations to our graduates! We are incredibly proud of you and look forward to seeing all that you will accomplish.

12th Week- Spring 2026 – Wednesday Night Session

Posted on April 17, 2026April 17, 2026 by Davis, Jini

As part of the Spring 2026 12th Week Enrichment series, and during National Public Health Week (April 6 to 12), MPH students gathered Wednesday evening for a program focused on reflection, learning, and accountability in health systems.

The evening began with a Student Advisory Session, providing MPH students the opportunity to meet with faculty advisors, reflect on their progress, and connect with peers. This dedicated advising time fostered mentorship and dialogue while reinforcing the importance of academic planning and professional growth within the program.

Students then watched a screening of SHUFFLE, a documentary that investigates fraud within the addiction treatment industry. Through personal accounts and reporting, the film examines how profit motives, weak oversight, and gaps in regulation can harm people seeking recovery. It also raises broader questions about ethics and responsibility in public health.

For many students, the film offered a challenging and eye‑opening perspective on the U.S. healthcare system. Student reflections noted how SHUFFLE highlighted the contradiction between high national healthcare spending and persistently poor health outcomes, particularly in the context of substance use disorder treatment. Several students shared that the documentary deepened their understanding of how predatory treatment networks operate and how structural gaps can cause significant harm to vulnerable populations.

A key highlight of the evening was the live discussion with the film’s producer, which allowed students to engage directly with the investigative process behind the documentary. Students appreciated the opportunity to ask questions, unpack real‑world implications, and explore how policy, regulation, and accountability intersect with public health practice. Many reflected that the conversation helped connect the film’s themes to coursework and professional responsibilities within applied public health.

Student feedback emphasized the value of pairing the screening with discussion. Participants described the session as thought‑provoking and informative, particularly in expanding their understanding of insurance systems, addiction treatment, and the ethical responsibilities of public health professionals. Several students noted that the experience reinforced the importance of advocacy, regulation, and systems‑level thinking in protecting communities and improving health outcomes.

The event reflected the goals of National Public Health Week by encouraging students to examine complex challenges through real-world examples. It also served as a reminder that public health leadership requires technical knowledge, ethical judgment, and a commitment to meaningful change.

MPH 12th Week Schedule – Spring 2026

Posted on March 31, 2026April 6, 2026 by Davis, Jini

This event series 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, April 7, 2026 | 6:00 – 7:30 PM

Virtual Webinar
Topic: Putting Equity in Practice at the CT Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services
Speaker: Samia Hussein, DrPH, MPH
Director at CT Mental Health & Addiction Services

Wednesday, April 8, 2026 | 5:30 PM

Students please check your inbox to register for Wednesday’s event.

RSVP Form

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.

‘SHUFFLE’ Documentary Discussion
SHUFFLE exposes the insurance-driven cycle of addiction treatment fraud through personal stories and investigative reporting. For MPH students, the film offers a compelling look at how public policy, health systems, and profit incentives intersect and how structural failures can put vulnerable populations at risk. The screening invites critical discussion around ethics, regulation, and the public health role in addressing substance use and health system accountability.

Students will have the opportunity to engage directly with the film’s producer following the screening. Come prepared with questions and ready to discuss real‑world public health issues.

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

Thursday, April 9, 2026 | 6:00 – 7:30 PM

Virtual Webinar
Topic: The Mouth as a Mirror: Oral Health & Pregnancy
Speaker: Dr. Brianna Muñoz, DMD, MPH
Pediatric Dentist & CEO
Twinkle Tooth Pediatric Dentistry

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 Students, Alum & Faculty Present at UConn’s 2026 Health Equity Research Symposium

Posted on March 30, 2026April 2, 2026 by Davis, Jini

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.

A highlight of the symposium was the panel “Foundations of Health Equity: From Frameworks to Practice,” a session designed to ground attendees in core health equity principles and examine how these frameworks are applied across disciplines.

Dr. Stacey Brown, Program Director
Dr. Mayte Restrepo‑Ruiz, Public Health Sciences faculty
Dr. Samia Hussein, MPH alumna

Together, the panelists explored how foundational equity frameworks inform public health teaching, research, and real‑world action. Their discussion emphasized the importance of moving beyond theory to practice—connecting academic work with community‑centered solutions and interdisciplinary collaboration.

The presence of MPH leadership, faculty, and alumni on this panel underscored the program’s role in shaping public health professionals who are prepared to address structural inequities at local, state, and national levels.

MPH students also contributed to the symposium through research poster presentations, sharing work that reflects a wide range of public health interests and equity‑focused inquiry. The poster session created space for dialogue between students, faculty, practitioners, and community members, reinforcing the symposium’s goal of bridging research and practice.

Through these presentations, students demonstrated how MPH training translates into applied research and community‑relevant public health questions—an essential component of advancing health equity.

The 2026 Health Equity Research Symposium highlighted the strength of UConn’s public health community and the central role of students and faculty in advancing equity‑driven work. For the MPH Program, participation in the symposium reflects a broader commitment to preparing graduates who can critically engage with health inequities and contribute to solutions grounded in evidence, collaboration, and community voice.

Careers in Public Health & Healthcare Event

Posted on March 16, 2026March 30, 2026 by Davis, Jini

The UConn Department of Public Health Sciences and Center for Career Readiness and Life Skills invite students from all majors to connect over lunch while discussing current public health topics and exploring future career paths.

📍 Lunch and drinks provided
🤝 Meet students interested in health careers
💡 Learn about public health pathways and graduate school

All students welcome.

Public Health Students at 2026 CPHA Conference

Posted on March 16, 2026March 16, 2026 by Davis, Jini

The department was strongly represented throughout the conference. Ten public health students presented a total of 14 posters, joined by MPH alumni and a current MPH student who delivered an oral presentation. Faculty and departmental researchers also contributed to the program, offering a range of presentations that provided valuable public health insights to the community.

To learn more about the conference, read about it on UConn Today here.

Munch and Mingle: Let’s Talk Public Health

Posted on March 12, 2026March 13, 2026 by Davis, Jini

Join the UConn Department of Public Health Sciences and Allied Health Sciences for a casual and engaging lunch event designed for students interested in health-related careers. This gathering creates a welcoming space to meet fellow students, share ideas, and explore how public health connects to many different health professions.

During the event, students will enjoy lunch while participating in icebreakers and conversations about current issues shaping public health today. Graduate Assistants from the UConn Master of Public Health (MPH) program will also share their personal journeys into public health, along with insights on preparing for graduate school and exploring career paths in the field.

The event will also introduce opportunities such as FastTrack and dual degree options, along with tips on academic advising and navigating the next steps in health-related education. To wrap up the session, students will participate in a short, interactive public health activity designed to spark discussion and encourage collaboration.

Whether you’re exploring career possibilities, considering graduate school, or simply curious about public health, this event offers a relaxed environment to learn, connect, and exchange ideas.

Lunch and drinks will be provided. All students are welcome.

Space is limited so please register to save your spot