Program Founders

Current Leadership

Henry graduated the University of Connecticut School of Medicine in 2023 with a dual MD/MPH. He is currently a resident in the UConn Internal Medicine Categorical Program. Born and raised in Queens, New York before moving to Connecticut as a teenager, Henry originally pursued a career in law. Upon graduating from Fordham University in 2012 he decided to pursue a different path, eventually pivoting to medicine. Since pursuing this path he has worked extensively on community health outreach. As a member and coordinator of the Bronx Community Health Leaders and RA Program in Bridgeport, CT he spent three years leading teams of volunteers providing an array of health outreach programs to patients.

He hopes UCHL will pay forward to students and patients the incredible experiences, opportunities and mentoring from which he benefited in these programs.

Please reach out to me directly at: siccardi@uchc.edu

Jake is currently a medical student at the University of Connecticut. He joined UCHL as an undergraduate volunteer in the spring of 2020. After graduating with a BS in Neuroscience, Jake pursued a Masters of Public Policy and completed a research fellowship at the CT Office of Health Strategies. As a future physicians, he hopes to use this unique educational background by contributing to the development of policy interventions that promote health equity and dismantle healthcare barriers. In medical school, Jake served as the policy chair for the medical student section of the AMA and conducts research at CT Children’s Department of Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery. Beyond medical academics, Jake enjoys hiking, rock climbing, and theatre.

Autumn is a medical student at the UConn School of Medicine. She grew up in Haddam, CT and attended UConn where she majored in Physiology and Neurobiology. In college, Autumn participated in behavioral neuroscience research and the Big Brother, Big Sisters program. Before medical school, she worked on a research project focused on lung cancer screenings. She also was a substitute teacher in her local school district. When not studying, Autumn enjoys practicing yoga and spending time with her dogs.

Autumn enjoys working with the UCHL leadership team and the volunteers to help patients identify and utilize resources to improve their health.

Christopher graduated from UConn undergrad in 2022 with a B.S. in Biological Sciences and is now a medical student at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine (Class of 2027). He is from Avon, CT and joined UCHL in the Fall of 2020 with the initial goal of expanding the program to the UConn Health Urgent Care and Family Medicine Clinics in Storrs, CT. In addition to UCHL, Christopher led local community service events within the UConn Community Outreach Department and spent his gap year working as a PCA in the Emergency Department at Hartford Hospital. Outside of school, he is a huge Boston sports fan and can be found in attendance at almost every UConn basketball game.

Christopher serves as the Site Director for the Farmington Outpatient clinical site and has a special interest in identifying and addressing health disparities in the communities surrounding UConn. He values the relationships he has been able to build with patients and fellow UCHL team members and hopes future students benefit from the same incredible opportunities.

Ling recently graduated from the University of Connecticut (class of 2022) with a degree in Biomedical Engineering with a concentration in Computational and Systems Biology. She is from Wethersfield, CT and joined UCHL in the Spring 2020 semester as part of the first cohort. In addition to UCHL, Ling was involved with the leadership team at UConn's student radio station (WHUS Radio). She is currently spending her gap year conducting research in clinical informatics at the Yale School of Medicine and tutoring younger students. Outside of work, she spends time learning guitar and cooking with friends and family.

Ling serves as a Research Coordinator in charge of the Farmington Inpatient clinical site and is passionate about addressing health disparities in our community and learning about social determinants of health. She values the opportunities UCHL has provided to interact with patients and other students and is excited to pay it forward to other pre-health students.

Lucas recently graduated from the University of Connecticut (class of 2022) with a degree in Physiology and Neurobiology with minors in English and Molecular and Cell Biology. He is from Wethersfield, CT and joined UCHL in the Summer 2021 semester. In addition to UCHL, Lucas was involved as a Resident Assistant at UConn and was an Emergency Department Scribe during his undergraduate career. Currently as a medical student he serves as a Curriculum Evaluation Committee member, Urban Service Track member, and Vice Chair of UConn School of Medicine's AMA Branch.

Lucas currently serves as a Site Coordinator in charge of the Asylum Hill Family Medicine Clinic site.  He is passionate about learning from and helping underserved communities through their social determinants of health. He looks forward to continuing to grow the UCHL program.

Rose graduated from UConn in May 2023 with a degree in Physiology & Neurobiology and a minor in Human Development & Family Sciences (HDFS). She worked as a scribe in her gap year.

In college Rose was in the 4th cohort of the BOLD Women’s Leadership Program, in addition to being involved in Cancer Survivorship research, and the Iranian Student Association. Outside of her work, she is passionate about drawing portraits of her favorite movie & TV show characters.

She joined the UCHL Program as a volunteer in Fall 2020. She now serves as the site director for the West Hartford Outpatient Site, and the Gynecologic Oncology Site. She has had the pleasure of presenting the UCHL Program’s research at multiple local and national conferences, including the Society of Hospital Medicine Converge and the Connecticut Academy of Family Physician’s Scientific Symposium. Rose enjoys learning about & implementing different strategies for patient education, especially for underserved populations. She enjoys helping UCHL volunteers take away experiences that will further motivate them in their journeys as future healthcare professionals.

Radha graduated from the University of Connecticut (Class of 2023) with a degree in Molecular and Cell Biology and a minor in Human Development and Family Sciences. During college, she was a member of the John and Valerie Rowe Health Professions Scholars Program, a mentor in the Kids & UConn Bridging Education program, involved with the Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students, and worked to enhance DEI initiatives in the honors program.

Currently, Radha is spending her gap year working as a medical assistant and as a peer counselor in the UConn Health Career Opportunity Programs (HCOP) department. Outside of work, she finds joy in spending time with family and friends, creating music playlists, and diamond painting.

She joined UCHL as a volunteer during the Summer 2021 semester. Radha now serves as a Project Coordinator for the Family Medicine Center at Asylum Hill site and has developed a Breast Cancer Screening project to reduce barriers and increase mammogram screening rates. She has had the honor of having her research within the UCHL program accepted at multiple conferences, including the Society of Hospital Medicine Converge, Society of Teachers of Family Medicine, and the Connecticut Academy of Family Physicians Scientific Symposium, where the presentation received the Certificate of Excellence in Research award. Radha is passionate about improving healthcare outcomes and enjoys learning about and applying practices to reduce health disparities. She is excited to be a part of a team that provides meaningful clinical opportunities and trains future leaders in the health professions community.

Karen is a graduate from the University of Connecticut (class of 2020) with a degree in Biomedical Engineering. She is from Newington, CT and joined UCHL as a volunteer during the Spring 2023 semester.

In college, Karen was a member of a competitive dance/step team UConn All-Stars, BSA, ASA, secretary of UConn’s chapter of PorColombia, and was involved in chemical/biomolecular engineering research. Since graduating, she has completed post-baccalaureate courses, worked as a medical scribe, volunteered at the Hospital of Central CT, and is now a medical assistant in a pediatric practice. Outside of work and academics, she loves traveling, spending time with her puppy, and going to concerts.

Karen serves as a Project Coordinator for the West Hartford Outpatient Site and the Gynecologic Oncology Site. She also serves as the UCHL liaison for the Population Health team at UConn Health. She is passionate about working with underrepresented populations and improving patient health outcomes. Karen is especially excited to work with volunteers and help them understand social barriers to healthcare so that they are able to confidently identify and address them as healthcare professionals.

Benito is a University of Connecticut graduate, obtaining a degree in Physiology and Neurobiology. Originally from Middletown, CT, Benito has been an active member of the UCHL since he joined in the Fall of 2023. On campus, he held multiple leadership roles, serving as a Supplemental Instructor and Peer Leader for the Organic Chemistry department, as well as having previously worked as a teaching assistant in the Physiology and Neurobiology department.

Benito is a passionate soccer fan, particularly devoted to following Manchester United matches. He also makes sure not to miss any UConn basketball games.

In addition to his academic and sports interests, Benito is deeply involved in community service. He serves as a Project Coordinator for the Farmington Outpatient site, where he collaborates with volunteers to address health disparities and raise awareness of Social Determinants of Health. His dedication to mentorship is evident in his leadership role in UCHL's mentorship program, where he helps guide pre-health professional students along their educational journeys.

Aydin is a graduate from the University of Connecticut with a dual degree in Physiology & Neurobiology (B.S.) and Sociology (B.A.). His coursework in sociology was focused on health disparities and social determinants of health. He is from Waterbury, CT and joined UCHL as a volunteer in Summer 2023.

In college, Aydin was involved as a volunteer EMT, a CPR and STOP THE BLEED instructor, a research assistant in at UConn Health, and a peer mentor for Introduction to Biochemistry. Aydin also held several club leadership roles, primarily focused on building a sense of community among pre-professional health students and helping them along their journey into health care.

Aydin currently serves as a Project Coordinator for the Burgdorf Health Center Site. He is very passionate about addressing health inequities that negatively affect underserved patient populations. He enjoys helping the volunteers in both their work to improve patient health comes and in pursuing their future career goals.

Irena is an undergraduate student at the University of Connecticut double majoring in Molecular and Cell Biology and Spanish. She is from Easton, CT and joined UCHL in the Fall of 2023. She has volunteered with UCHL at various sites including Asylum Hill Family Medicine Center, Farmington Outpatient Clinic, and the Burgdorf. In addition to UCHL, Irena is involved in College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Student Leadership Board, STEM Scholar mentorship program, UConn Greek Club, MCB Teaching Assistant, and research at CT Children’s Hospital. She has spent her summers researching plant genetics, interning on a medical team at Griffin Hospital in Derby, CT, and social mentoring for peers with Fragile-X Syndrome.

Irena serves as a project coordinator for the Farmington Site and the inpatient shadowing program. Her professional interests include cultural awareness in healthcare and social determinates of health in underserved communities. Irena is excited to help volunteers understand the patient’s perspective and collaborate with patients to improve their quality of life.

Leo is an undergraduate student at the University of Connecticut studying Biology with a minor in Neuroscience. He is from Durham, CT and joined UCHL as a volunteer in June 2024. Leo is a part of both the PNB and Animal Science department at UConn Storrs, working as a research assistant. He is also a part of UConn Red Cross, volunteering and helping to organize blood drives on and off campus. At home, Leo works as a volunteer EMT in Haddam, CT. He spends his free time playing pickup sports, watching any UConn game, and enjoying the outdoors through running, hiking, and snowboarding.

Leo is one of our Project Coordinators for the West Hartford Outpatient Site and the Gynecologic Oncology Site. He is passionate about helping volunteers feel comfortable and successful under his sites, and values the impact UCHL’s mission can have on Connecticut’s community. He looks forward to teaching the importance of social determinants of health, while also learning along the way.

Sydney is an undergraduate student at the University of Connecticut studying Molecular and Cell Biology with a minor in Business Fundamentals. She is from Boston, MA and she joined UCHL as a volunteer in January 2023. She has enjoyed volunteering with patients in the Outpatient Farmington Clinic every semester. Outside of UCHL, she is the Comptroller for UConn’s Undergraduate Student Government, a mentor coach for the Academic Achievement Center, the President of Creating Caring Communities, and an undergraduate researcher in UConn Health’s Biomedical Engineering Department. She also works as a summer Blood Program Leader for the Red Cross and as a Patient Care Associate throughout the year. 

Sydney is one of the volunteer coordinators, recruiting volunteers and ensuring that the program runs smoothly. She is passionate about connecting with patients to address their needs relating to the social determinants of health and allowing the healthcare team to provide high quality care. She is enthusiastic about meeting the volunteers and working with them throughout their pre-professional journey!

Gabrielle is an undergraduate student at the University of Connecticut studying Sociology with a minor in Spanish. Her coursework has been focused on the relationship between crime and health, and addressing health outcomes in different communities. She is from Canton, CT and joined UCHL as a volunteer in the Summer semester 2024. In addition to UCHL, Gabrielle is a Learning Assistant for General Chemistry. Outside of academics, she is an avid baker, likes to travel, and loves to find new music.

Gabrielle serves as a volunteer coordinator and is passionate about understanding patient experiences and finding support within the community as it relates to social determinants of health. She is excited to meet and work with new volunteers to address poor health outcomes, improve connection to quality healthcare, and increase the accessibility to recourses that could greatly affect patients’ lives.

Shannon is an undergraduate student at the University of Connecticut studying Pathobiology. She is from Newtown, CT and joined UCHL as a volunteer in September 2024 and continues to volunteer at UConn Health West Hartford.

Outside of UCHL, Shannon is a part of UConn Student Health and Wellness (SHaW) Student Medical Support Staff. She also serves as an Events and Operations Coordinator and tour guide for UConn undergraduate admissions and the Husky Ambassador Program, Operations Coordinator for UConn’s chapter of Camp Kesem, and Mentorship Chair of the Pre-Med Society.

Shannon is one of our volunteer coordinators, recruiting and working alongside volunteers that are committed to expanding health equity. Her mission is to empower volunteers so they grow confident in their roles and better prepared to challenge health disparities and support underserved communities. She also hopes volunteers will learn how healthcare systems and care providers can address the social needs of communities they serve and adopt this perspective in their future health career. She can’t wait to get to know the volunteers better and help them on their paths to a health profession.

UCHL Leadership Alumni