Academics and Research

Student in the UConn Health library

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)

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 HealthTM.
  • 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.