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

Two doctors in discussion on hospital floor

Physician Returns With Elite Training in Challenging Infections

Two years after completing an internal medicine residency at UConn Health, Dr. David Fraulino is back, now as a faculty physician, bringing specialized expertise in especially difficult infectious disease.

OSTP group with a DIY air purifier

White House’s Office of Science and Technology Policy Recognizes UConn’s Indoor Air Quality Initiative Fighting COVID-19

A DIY air filtration device assembled by fifth graders in Hartford makes its way to Washington, thanks to a cross-campus effort

Custodian and nurse speaking at entrance to patient room

Keeping It Clean for Patient, Staff Safety

UConn Health’s housekeepers are the front-line folks who don't provide patient care, but provide a safe, healthy environment for those who do. Housekeeping and Environmental Services Appreciation Week is Sept. 11-17.

Elle Box portrait

UConn Health’s New Chief Privacy Officer Arrives

Elle Box joins as assistant vice president for health care compliance.

A person in blue medical gloves using a syringe to draw COVID-19 vaccine from a vial.

What You Need to Know About Your Next COVID Booster

The new COVID-19 vaccines recently authorized for use as boosters generate an immune response not only to the original strain, but also two omicron subvariants. UConn Health’s Dr. David Banach explains

Rick McCarthy portrait

Homecoming for UConn Health’s New CIO

UConn Health’s new chief information officer, Rick McCarthy, is a Connecticut native, UConn alumnus, and Navy veteran.

The UConn Health Pulse Podcast logo.

Podcast: Back to School, 2022

UConn Health’s Dr. Erica Waddington offers tips and observations based on her experience as a family medicine physician who sees both students and parents, often from the same household.

Tackling the Opioid Crisis in Collaboration

UConn Health is working with Community Mental Health Affiliates to carry out a recently launched intervention program that focuses on vulnerable populations by removing barriers to treatment and resources.

COVID-Stroke Link Goes Back to 2020 UConn Health Biopsy

It is widely accepted that COVID-19 can increase the risk of stroke, even in those who otherwise normally would not be in a higher-risk group. One of the first pieces of scientific evidence of that association comes from a UConn Health case, explained in the journal "Operative Neurosurgery."

Monkeypox negative result area checked with red highlighter blood test tubes on blue background with copy space.

Monkeypox: A Brief Introduction

How is it transmitted, treated, and prevented? What is the risk, how contagious is it, and how sick can it make us? UConn Health’s Dr. David Banach explains