Author: Jini I Davis

Rooted in Health: Public Health Sciences Cookbook

Posted on January 30, 2026February 3, 2026 by Jini I Davis

Welcome to a space where public health takes root. It’s a celebration of what we plant, nurture, and share as a community committed to health and well-being.

At the UConn Department of Public Health Sciences, we believe public health starts in the places we live, learn, work, and grow. From the food on our tables to the systems that shape our daily lives, public health connects us all. That’s why we’ve created this garden-to-table collection featuring recipes from our faculty each inspired by the seeds we are distributing and the work we do every day to build healthier communities.

Our recipes feature our seed packets featuring cucumbers, various peppers, tomatoes, and herbs.

Please note: This is just a selection of our esteemed faculty members. Those featured have made contributions to this recipe book.

Why It Matters: The Health Behind the Ingredients
Public Health Benefits of Home Gardening

Home gardening is more than a hobby—it’s a public health practice. Gardening encourages physical activity, reduces stress, and provides
access to fresh, affordable produce. It also fosters resilience in communities by improving food security and giving people more control over their nutrition. Growing food at home supports both physical and mental well-being while strengthening connections between individuals, families, and their environment.

If you would like to receive our printed recipe booklet, be sure to stop at our tabling events or our office for a copy.

For more information send us an email at publichealth@uchc.edu

Welcome Our New Faculty: Dr. Jianghong Li

Posted on January 29, 2026January 29, 2026 by Jini I Davis

We are pleased to welcome Dr. Jianghong Li to the UConn Department of Public Health Sciences. Dr. Li joins our faculty as a social and behavioral scientist with more than 25 years of experience conducting applied research alongside underserved and marginalized populations experiencing health disparities.

Dr. Li’s work is deeply rooted in community-based and community-engaged research, with a strong emphasis on stakeholder involvement, empowerment, and resilience. Her approach reflects a commitment to partnering with communities to co-create knowledge and solutions that are responsive, ethical, and sustainable.

With extensive experience in NIH grant development, Dr. Li has served as a Principal Investigator or Co-Investigator on more than 20 NIH-funded studies. She has also contributed as key personnel on numerous projects supported by federal agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), as well as state governments and international organizations including UNICEF and the World Bank.

Methodologically, Dr. Li brings a wide-ranging and highly relevant skill set to the department. Her expertise includes social network data collection and analysis, recruitment and sampling of hidden populations, mixed-methods research, and intervention development, including peer-led, network-based, and multilevel approaches. She also applies systems thinking and stakeholder-engaged system dynamics modeling to support strategic planning and inform policy decision-making within complex health and service systems.

Dr. Li’s scholarship and practice align strongly with the mission of public health: advancing equity, strengthening communities, and translating research into meaningful impact. We are excited to have her join our academic community and look forward to the expertise, mentorship, and collaboration she will bring to our students, faculty, and partners.

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Jianghong Li to the department.

Welcome Jessie Gleckel to Our Department!

Posted on November 25, 2025November 25, 2025 by Jini I Davis

We are thrilled to welcome Jessie Gleckel to our department, a seasoned leader in public health whose extensive experience spans practice, research, and evaluation on local, national, and international stages. Her impressive career has seen her excel in roles at prestigious organizations, such as PATH, Public Health – Seattle & King County, the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence.

Jessie’s diverse background has enabled her to collaborate effectively with both small and large nonprofit organizations, governmental health agencies, and federal institutions. Her passion and dedication are particularly evident in her focus areas, which include:

Prevention and research on sexual and intimate partner violence
Advocacy for sexual and reproductive health and rights
Promotion of gender equity in HIV prevention, care, and treatment
Quality improvement in correctional health

Beyond her focus areas, Jessie brings a wealth of expertise in:

Providing technical assistance to various stakeholders
Building strong, collaborative partnerships across different sectors
Conducting thorough assessments and evaluations
Designing innovative tools and processes for quality improvement and assurance

Jessie holds a Master of Public Health from the University of Washington’s Community-Oriented Public Health Practice Program and is currently pursuing her Doctor of Public Health at Rutgers University.

Her arrival heralds an exciting new chapter for our department as we continue to strive for health equity and innovation in public health. Join us in welcoming Jessie Gleckel to our team, where her leadership and vision will no doubt make a significant impact.

Supporting Our Community: Winter Donation Drive 2025

Posted on November 21, 2025November 21, 2025 by Jini I Davis

This winter, our department is proud to support two impactful initiatives dedicated to serving Hartford residents: Hands On Hartford and Community Service Officer Jim Barrett’s Homeless Outreach Program. As the colder months arrive and financial instability continues to rise, community support is more important than ever.

About Community Service Officers & Officer Jim Barrett
Community Service Officers work directly within Hartford neighborhoods, building relationships, attending community events, and addressing quality-of-life concerns. Officer Jim Barrett, the city’s homeless outreach officer, goes above and beyond to support unhoused individuals. Operating out of a renovated bomb squad truck turned mobile care unit, he provides supplies, resources, and connections to social services. His compassionate work has been recognized locally and nationally.

About Hands On Hartford
Hands On Hartford strengthens the community through housing support, food access, homelessness prevention, and outreach services. Their MANNA Community Pantry, Backpack Nutrition Program, Supportive Housing, and Shared Use Kitchen all play a crucial role in meeting basic needs and fostering long-term stability. Their participation-based restaurant, Gather55, welcomes everyone—regardless of ability to pay—creating a space where community and compassion meet over a shared meal.

They also operate a Day Program that provides referrals, shelter support, health screenings, and a safe environment for those experiencing homelessness. With more than 1,400 volunteers each year and support from civic, faith-based, and organizational partners, Hands On Hartford continues to create a healthier, more inclusive Hartford for all.

How You Can Help
This year, many community members are facing reduced assistance, unexpected hardships, and limited access to food or warm clothing. Even small contributions can make a meaningful difference—especially items like $5 fast-food gift cards, which provide unhoused individuals the opportunity to purchase a warm meal.

Most-needed items include:

Financial contributions
Nonperishable food
Full-size toiletries & household essentials
Food for children’s backpack nutrition program
Snack kits for outreach
Hygiene products
Cold-weather gear
$5 fast-food gift cards to Mcdonalds, Burger King and Dunkin Donuts
Bus passes

Your generosity directly supports individuals and families navigating challenging times. Thank you for helping us make a positive impact this winter.

UConn Public Health Sciences Shines at the 2025 APHA Expo

Posted on November 6, 2025November 6, 2025 by Jini I Davis

And that’s a wrap! The UConn Department of Public Health Sciences had an incredible experience at the 2025 American Public Health Association (APHA) Expo.

Our talented faculty members, alumni, and even Dr. Brown’s daughter took center stage to showcase their groundbreaking research through dynamic presentations and engaging posters. From innovative approaches to health equity to community-based interventions, their work reflected the breadth and impact of public health in action.

The APHA Expo provided an invaluable platform for collaboration, learning, and inspiration—reminding us why public health is at the heart of positive change. It was truly inspiring to witness our team’s unwavering commitment to advancing the field and improving the well-being of communities everywhere.

We’re proud to be part of a community that continues to push boundaries, share knowledge, and lead the way in shaping a healthier future.

Check out our socials to view more photos and remember to give us a like!

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Celebrating Community and Menopause Equity

Posted on October 31, 2025 by Jini I Davis

We were honored to attend The Power of the Pause Celebration, an inspiring event dedicated to celebrating community, connection, and the importance of menopause equity.

This incredible gathering brought together individuals, advocates, and health leaders who are working to break the silence surrounding menopause and promote greater awareness of midlife health. The conversations throughout the day highlighted the importance of access to resources, compassionate care, and open dialogue for everyone navigating this phase of life.

As a proud sponsor, we’re grateful for the opportunity to support this vital initiative and amplify the message that menopause deserves understanding, respect, and visibility. Events like this remind us how powerful it can be when communities come together to share experiences, uplift one another, and challenge stigmas.

Together, we’re helping to create a future where everyone feels seen, celebrated, and empowered at every stage of life.

📸 Take a look at some moments from the celebration below!

Supporting Our Community: UConn Health MPH Partner with Hands on Hartford

Posted on October 14, 2025October 14, 2025 by Jini I Davis

At Department of Public Health Sciences, community engagement isn’t just a value, it’s part of who we are. Recently, we had the absolute pleasure of partnering with Hands on Hartford, a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing housing and food security and improving health for individuals and families in need.

As part of this initiative, we dropped off our department’s donated goods and met with Kelly, the organization’s Community Engagement and Partnerships & Communications Coordinator. Thanks to the generosity of our community and UConn Health colleagues, we were able to donate around 260 items to support their ongoing programs.

During our visit, Kelly shared inspiring insights into Hands on Hartford’s impactful work supporting residents throughout the city and the pressing challenges they’re facing. Her stories vividly reflect the difference community partnerships can make and how vital it is to continue lending a hand.

We left feeling deeply inspired and eager to explore future collaborations, including a potential video project to showcase Hands on Hartford’s incredible impact and highlight upcoming volunteer opportunities. Stay tuned for more on that!

If you’d like to get involved or support their mission, please visit: https://handsonhartford.org/volunteer/

These are their biggest needs right now:

1) Financial Contributions
2) Nonperishable food for our Community Pantry
3) Full Size toiletries and household essentials for our Community Pantry
4) Food for our kids’ backpack nutrition program
5) Snack kits for our Homeless Outreach Team

Together, small acts of kindness add up to lasting impact.

Welcome Dr. Monika Doshi to the Department!

Posted on October 2, 2025October 3, 2025 by Jini I Davis

The UConn Department of Public Health Sciences is proud to welcome Dr. Monika Doshi as our newest faculty member.

Dr. Doshi’s research reflects a deep commitment to advancing health equity and addressing disparities among underserved, marginalized, and vulnerable populations. Her work has focused on HIV prevention, care, and treatment; mental health; women’s health; gender and sexuality; stigma and discrimination; chronic diseases such as cancer and diabetes; and health and human rights.

In addition to these longstanding areas of scholarship, Dr. Doshi’s more recent research has expanded to examine how policy, community, institutional, and interpersonal factors influence the health and wellbeing of U.S.-based Latinx communities within the context of immigration. By investigating the multi-layered challenges these communities face, her work sheds light on the intersections between health, social justice, and policy.

With her broad expertise and dedication to public health, Dr. Doshi strengthens our department’s mission to improve population health and advance health equity through research, education, and community engagement. We are excited to see the impact her contributions will bring to both UConn and the communities we serve.

Welcome Dr. Kate Ascetta to the Department!

Posted on September 25, 2025October 3, 2025 by Jini I Davis

The UConn Department of Public Health Sciences is excited to announce the addition of Dr. Kate Ascetta to our faculty. Dr. Ascetta serves as an Assistant Professor at the University of Connecticut Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service (CT UCEDD), where she coordinates technical assistance for higher education faculty through the Early Childhood Intervention Personnel Center (ECIPC). She also holds a joint appointment as an Assistant Professor in Public Health Sciences at UConn’s School of Medicine.

Dr. Ascetta’s scholarship focuses on the critical role of quality teacher preparation programs and professional development in strengthening the early childhood intervention workforce. With expertise in program of study development within institutions of higher education, she works to ensure future educators are equipped to make meaningful impacts in their communities.

A defining feature of Dr. Ascetta’s work is her commitment to equity. She has built strong community partnerships that elevate voices from traditionally underrepresented groups, ensuring systems of change are designed with communities rather than for them. Her approach reflects the Department of Public Health Sciences’ dedication to inclusive, collaborative solutions in public health.

We are proud to welcome Dr. Ascetta to our department and look forward to the innovation, leadership, and passion she brings to public health at UConn.

Explore more about our faculty and programs here: https://health.uconn.edu/public-health-sciences/

Faculty Promotions Announced

Posted on August 28, 2025 by Jini I Davis

The Department of Public Health Sciences is proud to share exciting news about faculty promotions recently approved by the Academic Affairs Subcommittee of the Board of Directors.

Dr. Jennifer M. Cavallari has been promoted to Professor.
Dr. Shayna D. Cunningham has been promoted to Associate Professor with Tenure.
Dr. Ellis C. Dillon has been promoted to Associate Professor.

These promotions recognize their exceptional contributions to public health research, teaching, and service. Please join us in congratulating Drs. Cavallari, Cunningham, and Dillon on their well-deserved achievements!