Chris DeFrancesco '94 (CLAS)

Chris DeFrancesco has been writing for UConn Health since 2007. He is a proud graduate of UConn’s journalism program. As an undergraduate in Storrs he was one of the play-by-play voices of UConn men’s and women’s basketball on WHUS-FM, a writer for the Daily Campus, and a campus shuttle bus driver. He’s been a freelance writer, editor of two weekly newspapers (Bloomfield Journal and Windsor Locks Journal), and most notably a reporter and anchor on WTIC NewsTalk 1080. He is a four-time winner of the Connecticut Associated Press Broadcasters Association Walt Dibble Award for Personal Excellence in Radio. His work also has earned recognition from the Connecticut pro chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. Chris is an elected officer in his union (UHP Local 3837) and serves on the board of the Newington Children’s Theatre Company, Connecticut’s longest-running youth theatre program. He lives in Newington with his wife, Caroline, daughter, Audrey, and their dogs, Spot and Alex.


Author Archive

candid shot of inside of tent clinic triaging patients

Disaster Response: Master and Apprentice

UConn Health emergency medicine physicians Rob Fuller, Caroline Lloyd back from Myanmar earthquake aid mission

Healthgrades badge "Outstanding Patient Experience 2025" over University Tower background

Recognized Again Among Nation’s Best for Patient Experience

UConn’s John Dempsey only Connecticut hospital awarded 3 years running

Podcast: Spray Away Severe Depression

Dr. Caleb Battersby, UConn Health's director of interventional psychiatry, explains a treatment approach to severe depression that's providing hope

Celebrating UConn Health’s Nurses

Meet this year’s Nightingale nurses as UConn Health recognizes its 1,200+ nurses, APRNs, and CRNAs

9x Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade A

9 Straight A’s for Patient Safety

UConn John Dempsey Hospital again earns Leapfrog Group’s highest hospital safety grade

Nanette Pink portrait in her office

Welcoming Workplace

UConn John Dempsey Hospital nurse manager Nanette Pink cultivates inclusive environment

Dr. HIlary Onyiuke portrait

Dr. Hilary Onyiuke Among ‘Elite 8’ in Augmented Reality Spine Surgery

Appointed to National Technical Board for Augmedics xvision® Spine System

group dressed in UConn Health "champions of healthcare" shirts holding "Congrats" banner

Cheering on the Champs!

UConn Health at the UConn women’s basketball championship parade

Three people in sashes standing on stage, one holding a scepter

UConn Health’s Dr. Rebecca Andrews Chairs ACP Board of Regents

American College of Physicians is country’s largest medical specialty organization

stock photo of physician holding open patient's eye and examining

UConn Health Expands Comprehensive Concussion Care

Dr. Brian Kelley brings specialized training in neurotrauma and neurocritical care