For Students

PHLAME Event – Communicating for Career Success

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.

Register here

MPH Information Sessions – Fall 2025

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

2025-2026 Segal Scholars: Mevlana Iljazi & Laura Contreras

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 neighbors and her own father 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

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

The UConn Department of Public Health Sciences recently hosted two unforgettable events celebrating student achievement, research, and leadership.
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.
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.
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.
Congratulations to the Class of 2025, we are so proud of all you have accomplished!
  • Dr. Stacey Brown presenting to group at the graduation dinner

Crossing the finish line with purpose!

 Julia Prescott (MPH ’25), Mahima Mehta (MPH ’25), and Margot Drummey (CLAS ’23)

On April 27, Julia Prescott (MPH ’25), Mahima Mehta (MPH ’25), and Margot Drummey (CLAS ’23) completed the Eugene Marathon, the largest marathon in the Pacific Northwest, finishing on the iconic Hayward Field in Oregon.

Mahima ran on behalf of Community Supported Shelters, demonstrating how public health leadership extends beyond the classroom, through action, advocacy, and heart.

Mahima currently serves as President of the Public Health Student Organization, with Julia as Vice President, both exemplifying dedication to public health in every step.

My Path in Public Health – Adriana Lopez de Victoria | UConn MPH ’25

Youtube Thumbnail Adriana Lopez Student Interview 2025

Meet Adriana, a student in the UConn Master of Public Health (MPH) program! She started out majoring in biology, but realized she was looking for something more. That moment led her to explore health through a public health lens instead of a clinical one.

In this short interview, Adriana shares:

  • What drew her to public health and the UConn MPH program

  • A surprising lesson she’s learned along the way

  • How her professors and peers have supported her growth

  • A memorable experience that deepened her passion

  • Her advice for future MPH students

Whether you’re thinking about a career in public health or just curious about the MPH experience at UConn, Adriana’s story offers an honest and inspiring perspective. Learn more about the program at mph.uconn.edu.

#UConnMPH #PublicHealth #GradSchoolStories #WhyPublicHealth #StudentVoices #UConn

 

12th Week Recap: Spring 2025 Public Health Week Series

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.

My Path in Public Health – Mahima Mehta | UConn MPH ’25

Meet Mahima, a student in the UConn Master of Public Health (MPH) program! She began her academic journey in a lab, but her curiosity about how all aspects of health are connected led her to discover the concept of one health. That turning point inspired her to explore how public health serves communities and ultimately brought her to the UConn MPH program.

In this short interview, Mahima shares:

  • What drew her to public health and the UConn MPH program
  • A surprising lesson she’s learned so far
  • How her professors and peers have supported her growth
  • A memorable experience that solidified her passion
  • Advice for prospective MPH students

Whether you’re considering a career in public health or just want to hear what it’s really like to study at UConn, Mahima’s story offers an inspiring and thoughtful glimpse into the MPH student experience.

Learn more about the program at mph.uconn.edu

ProCRAFTination: A Creative Break for Students

Balancing academics and personal time can be challenging, but taking a break is just as important as hitting the books. That’s why we’re inviting all students to ProCRAFTination—a crafting session designed to help you unwind while learning about the benefits of UConn Health’s dual degree programs.

Join us for a relaxing session where you can make bookmarks, design buttons, and create scrapbook pages—all while enjoying free hot cocoa and cookies. Whether you’re exploring dual degree options or just need a creative outlet, this is the perfect chance to connect, craft, and recharge.

Event Details:
Wednesday, March 12 | 11 AM – 1 PM
Wednesday, April 2 | 1 PM – 3 PM
First floor, UConn Health Sciences Library

Stop by, take a break, and get the information you need. For questions, reach out to Emily Ziemba (ziemba@uchc.edu) or publichealth@uchc.edu. We look forward to seeing you there!