The Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (DOEM) is connected with several University of Connecticut graduate programs. Many graduate students from these programs are involved with DOEM and CPH-NEW research projects, being supported as Research Assistants. The experience of these students and our faculty contributes to a vibrant academic presence.

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DOEM faculty carry out a wide variety of research projects, most with federal funding.

Ongoing Research Projects

Aging, Musculoskeletal Disorders and Work Capacity

• NIOSH
• Major Goal: To examine longitudinally the predictors of extended maintenance of work ability as workers age and identify intervention foci to prolong useful participation in the workforce.
• Principle Investigator: Martin Cherniack, M.D., M.P.H.
• August 2008 – August 2019

Center for the Promotion of Health in the New England Workplace (CPH-NEW)

• NIOSH
• Major Goals: To establish a center for scientific research and education, based in participatory action research (PAR), integrating occupational health and safety (OSH) with worksite health promotion (WHP).
  • Health Improvement through Employee Control among Correctional Officers (HITEC II Study)
• Principle Investigator: Martin Cherniack, M.D., M.P.H.
• 2006 – Current

Improving Breast Cancer Survivors’ Return to Work Experiences

• CT Breast Health Initiative
• Major Goals: Fill in research gaps on factors that enable a successful return to work.
• Principal Investigator: Alicia Dugan, Ph.D.
• July 2016 – June 2017

Identifying Organizational Factors to Improve Cancer Survivors’ Return to Work Experiences

• CICATS Cancer Prevention and Control CIG
• Major Goal: Collaborate with CICATS CIG researchers from multiple disciplines and complementary areas of expertise to conduct community-based translational research focused on improving the well-being and work experiences of cancer survivors in Connecticut and beyond.
• Principal Investigator: Alicia Dugan, Ph.D.
• June 2016 – June 2017

Development and Implementation of a Healthy Sleep Intervention for Correctional Supervisors Using Participatory Action Research

• CPH-NEW/UMass Lowell
• Major Goal: Develop, implement, and evaluate a new Healthy Sleep Intervention for correctional supervisors
• Principal Investigator: Alicia Dugan, Ph.D.
• March 2016 – February 2017

Occupational Safety and Health Core Interest Group – Collaboration for Occupational Health

• CICATS CIG
• Major Goal: To maintain and facilitate a productive, integrated community of stakeholders committed to improving occupational health and safety of Connecticut workers
• Principal Investigator: Jennifer Cavallari, Sc.D., C.I.H.
• June 2013 – June 2017

Occupational Health Psychology

• University of Connecticut
• Major Goal: This training grant, in collaboration with the psychology department at the University of CT, Storrs, supports the establishment of a doctoral program in Occupational Health Psychology.
• Principal Investigator: Jennifer Cavallari, Sc.D., C.I.H.
• June 2016 – June 2017

Randomized Controlled Trial of Whole Body Vibration Intervention in Truck Drivers

• NIOSH (Subaward from Northeastern University)
• Major Goal: To complete a randomized controlled field trial evaluating the effects of an EAVC seat suspension system on low back pain and other health outcomes.
• Principal Investigator: Jack Dennerlein
• September 2013 – August 2017

An Integrated Approach to Hearing Preservation Among Construction Workers

• NIOSH
• Major Goal: The career development goals of this grant is to expand Dr. Cavallari’s training in occupational health psychology, intervention research, and the NIOSH cross-sector areas of hearing loss and Total Worker Health^TM.
• Principal Investigator: Jennifer Cavallari, Sc.D., C.I.H.
• September 2015 – August 2018

CT Worker’s Compensation Commission MOA

• CT Workers Compensation Commission
• Major Goal: The development, evaluation, and reporting of surveillance activities to identify and prevent occupational disease.
• Principal Investigator: Tim Morse
• July 2010 – Current

MOU – Occupational Health Clinics

• CT Department of Labor
• Major Goal: Through the use of the Occupational Medicine clinic services, will provide diagnoses, treatment, and preventative services to individuals with occupational diseases.
• Principal Investigator: Marc Croteau, M.D., M.P.H.
• July 2005 – Current

DOT Health and Safety MOU

• CT Department of Transportation
• Major Goal: To maintain a clinic at the DOT facilities to provide occupational medicine services on site
• Principal Investigator: Marc Croteau, M.D., M.P.H.
• July 2008 – Current

Occupational Health Surveillance – FY17 MOA

• CT Department of Public Health
• Major Goal: To provide collaborative and consultative expertise in occupational illness and injury surveillance, intervention and education
• Principal Investigator: Paula Schenck, M.P.H.
• November 2015 – June 2016

Scoping of Dredge Material Islands and Wetlands for Green Infrastructure Resiliency Projects

• CT Department of Housing (Subaward from University of Connecticut)
• Major Goal: To facilitate attention to public health impacts in the planning of the Dredge Materials Islands and Wetlands project and support overall engagement efforts
• Principal Investigator: Paula Schenck, M.P.H.
• July 2016 – June 2017

Completed Research Projects

A list of some of our previous research projects can be found in this document.