Author: Jini I Davis

Dr. Greg Rhee Explores Mental Health Screening for Teen Students

Posted on May 30, 2025May 30, 2025 by Jini I Davis

Regular Depression Screening May Benefit High Schoolers, New Research Finds

A recent study led by Dr. Greg Rhee, a faculty researcher in the UConn Department of Public Health Sciences, suggests that routine mental health screenings in high schools could lead to earlier identification and support for students experiencing depression.

Published in JAMA Network Open, the research analyzed data from nearly 250,000 students across 12 U.S. states and found that students who underwent regular depression screening were more likely to receive a depression diagnosis and follow-up treatment compared to those who were not screened.

This study highlights the potential benefits of incorporating mental health screenings into school health protocols—helping identify students in need before symptoms become more severe. As youth mental health challenges continue to rise, early intervention could be a key strategy in public health efforts to support adolescent well-being.

Dr. Rhee’s work is part of our department’s broader mission to translate research into real-world solutions that protect and promote the mental health of communities.

Read the full article on UConn Today:
Regular Screening for Depression May Benefit High Schoolers

Dr. Gregorio Secures $1.9M Contract to Strengthen CT’s Public Health Workforce Pipeline

Posted on April 14, 2025 by Jini I Davis

Dr. Gregorio, Professor, UConn’s Department of Public Health Sciences was recently awarded a $1,900,000 contract from the Connecticut Department of Public Health titled “Education-Enhanced Pipeline to a Public Health Science Corps”. The effort is intended to increase the number and professional abilities of public health workers in Connecticut, while simultaneously fostering a statewide culture that promotes public health readiness in communities. Activities supported by this funding include engaging with the Storrs and Regional campuses in efforts to encourage undergraduates to consider careers in public/population health by highlighting careers and academic opportunities, assisting high schools to offer courses in public health and epidemiology through UConn’s Early College Experience, and implementing a UConn Certificate on Leadership for individuals preparing to lead public health and human service organizations.

Dr. Bing Lu Awarded NIH Grant to Study Alcohol’s Metabolomic Link to Knee Osteoarthritis

Posted on April 14, 2025 by Jini I Davis

Dr. Lu is a Professor in Biostatistics and Epidemiology at the Department of Public Health Sciences. He was just awarded a 2-year grant R21AR085243 from NIH/NIAMS (National Institute of Arthritits and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases) titled “Metabolomic Signatures of Alcohol Consumption and Risk of Knee Osteoarthritis” for $402,022. This project will assess whether metabolomic signatures of alcohol intake predict the subsequent risk of knee OA and examine how these signatures influence imaging markers of knee OA.

Dr. Angela Bermúdez-Millán Represents UConn Public Health at the Puerto Ricans Connecticut Summit

Posted on January 13, 2025January 13, 2025 by Jini I Davis

Dr. Angela Bermúdez-Millán, one of our faculty, joined fellow advocates and leaders at the Puerto Ricans Connecticut summit this past weekend. Together, they worked to create a collective agenda addressing health inequities, leadership, and other critical issues impacting Puerto Ricans in Connecticut.

Event Highlights:
Plenary panel with the Connecticut Puerto Rican and Latino Caucus
Discussions on housing, education, and environmental justice
Community-driven strategies for change

We’re proud to see UConn Public Health actively contributing to these vital conversations!

Congrats to Stefanie Farkas & Lisa Parenteau for their PAW Award

Posted on January 9, 2025January 9, 2025 by Jini I Davis

The October/November NIH grant cycle is always a busy time, with deadlines looming and submissions piling up. This year was no exception, and navigating the complexities of multiple grant proposals required incredible organization, dedication, and teamwork. In the midst of this demanding period, two individuals stood out for their extraordinary efforts: Stefanie Farkas and Lisa Parenteau.

Stefanie and Lisa went above and beyond by stepping up to assist other UConn departments with their grant submissions. This was no small feat, as they were already managing multiple grant submissions within their own department. Their willingness to lend a helping hand during one of the busiest cycles of the year speaks volumes about their commitment to UConn’s research mission and their dedication to fostering collaboration across departments.

Their contributions exemplify the best of what teamwork and community spirit can achieve. Stefanie and Lisa’s expertise, hard work, and ability to navigate tight deadlines ensured that both their department and others were able to successfully submit their grant proposals on time.

We want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to Stefanie Farkas and Lisa Parenteau. Your efforts did not go unnoticed, and your impact on the success of the grant cycle was immeasurable. Thank you for your unwavering commitment and for embodying the collaborative spirit that makes UConn an exceptional place to work and thrive.

Let’s all take inspiration from Stefanie and Lisa’s example as we continue to support one another in achieving our shared goals. Thank you for making a difference!

Spotlight on Excellence: Dr. Rogie Royce Carandang Recognized by JPHE

Posted on January 9, 2025January 9, 2025 by Jini I Davis

We’re proud to share that Rogie Royce Carandang, one of our esteemed Postdoctoral Research Fellows, has been recognized as an Outstanding Author by the Journal of Public Health and Emergency (JPHE)! This honor highlights his dedication to advancing research and contributing meaningful insights to the field of public health.

In a recent interview with JPHE, he discussed his work, inspirations, and vision for the future of public health. His achievements are a testament to the innovative and impactful research happening right here at UConn’s Department of Public Health Sciences.

Take a moment to read his full interview and learn more about the remarkable work that earned him this recognition: Read the Interview.

Congratulations, Rogie, on this well-deserved recognition!

UConn Public Health Wraps Up Successful Donation Drive for Survivors of Domestic Violence

Posted on January 2, 2025 by Jini I Davis

This holiday season, the UConn Department of Public Health Sciences demonstrated the power of community by hosting a donation drive to support survivors of domestic violence at the Prudence Crandall Center. From November 13 to December 17, faculty, staff, students, and community members joined forces to provide essential items that will bring comfort and hope to individuals and families in need.

The donations included gift cards for groceries and household items, new bedding and towels, personal care products, diapers, cleaning supplies, and toys for children. These contributions were delivered directly to the center, where they will play a crucial role in helping survivors rebuild their lives with dignity and security.

Drop-off day was a heartwarming experience as members of the department came together to load and unload the car and personally deliver the items to the center. The event served as a powerful reminder of how public health is about more than just policy and research—it’s about community action and care.

We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who participated in this drive. Your generosity has made a lasting impact, proving that even small contributions can lead to significant change. Together, we’ve shown that the UConn Public Health community truly embodies the spirit of service and compassion.

Stay tuned for more ways to get involved and make a difference in public health!

Hispanic Health Council Maternal Health Conference

Posted on December 3, 2024December 3, 2024 by Jini I Davis

dept photo — Dr. Angela Bermudez Milan and Rogie Royce Carandang along with attendees

The Hispanic Health Council recently held its inaugural Maternal Health Conference, focusing on improving outcomes for people of color.

Topics included:
Social Determinants of Health
Addressing housing, transportation, food security, and healthcare access.
Care Experiences
Tackling language barriers, implicit bias, and health literacy challenges.
Equitable Access
Exploring the impact of insurance, citizenship status, and quality community clinics.
Roles of Community Health Workers and Doulas
Highlighting their support, success metrics, and cost-saving contributions.

Advancing Rural Maternal Health: 2024 New England Rural Health Conference

Posted on December 3, 2024 by Jini I Davis

Rogie Royce Carandang, Dr. Andrea Shields, Dr. Shayna Cunningham, and Dr. Les Baker

At the 2024 New England Rural Health Association Conference, our department had the privilege of leading a session titled Obstetric Life Support: Preparing Healthcare Workers to Optimize Equitable Treatment of Maternal Medical Emergencies in Rural New England. Guided by Dr. Andrea Shields, Principal Investigator and Associate Professor in Obstetrics and Gynecology at UConn, the session highlighted the unique impact of Obstetric Life Support (OBLS) for rural healthcare. Dr. Shields shared her expertise on the critical role of OBLS in advancing maternal care, emphasizing its evidence base and adaptation to rural needs.

Highlights included:
Dr. Shields’ insights into the evidence supporting OBLS and its role in enhancing maternal care in underserved areas
Distinctions between OBLS and other obstetric emergency training programs
Preliminary findings from our ongoing study on OBLS adaptation for both prehospital and hospital-based providers
An engaging panel discussion with OBLS developers and trainers

They were proud to join Dr. Shields alongside Dr. Shayna Cunningham, Dr. Les Becker, and Dr. Rogie Royce Carandang for this impactful presentation, advancing rural healthcare in New England.

Dr. Angela Bermúdez-Millán: Bridging Research and Community in Public Health

Posted on October 21, 2024 by Jini I Davis

Dr. Angela Bermúdez-Millán, an associate professor-in-residence in the Department of Public Health Sciences at UConn, has built her career around direct, community-focused engagement. Her research addresses critical public health challenges like food insecurity and its related health impacts, with a particular focus on vulnerable populations.

Central to her work is a community-based participatory framework that explores the social determinants of health. One notable study examines how food insecurity affects dietary habits, emotional eating, mental health, and diabetes markers in Latinas at risk for type 2 diabetes. Her goal is to develop culturally relevant interventions that address these challenges head-on.

Bermúdez-Millán’s work also extends to promoting healthy eating in low-income children enrolled in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program. Through both quantitative and qualitative research, she aims to increase fruit and vegetable consumption and promote healthy weight management.

As a co-investigator on the DREAM study, she contributed to the development of a nutrition intervention for Cambodians dealing with depression, further highlighting her commitment to underserved populations.

Beyond research, Bermúdez-Millán brings her community-driven approach into the classroom. She collaborates with local organizations like the Hartford Food System and End Hunger Connecticut, enriching her courses with real-world insights. She developed and teaches the “Introduction to Interprofessional Public Health Practice,” a required course for UConn MPH students that emphasizes hands-on community involvement.

Her dedication to both scholarship and teaching exemplifies a deep commitment to addressing public health issues where they matter most—within the communities facing them.