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

Students with their bikes in front of academic entrance

Traditional Student Bike Tour Returns to Cross-Country

UConn medical student June Chu and dental student Alexandra Estanislau are hitting the road, by bicycle, for the 16th "Coast to Coast for a Cause," this year benefitting the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp.

Dr. Andrew Chen with a patient in an exam room

Establishing Guidelines for Surgery After Skin Cancer

Physicians now have evidence-based recommendations for when skin cancer leaves a patient in need of reconstructive surgery. UConn Health’s chief of plastic surgery, Dr. Andrew Chen, led a national brain trust to come up with them.

nurse in scrubs with mask and gloves in prayer or reflection

Supporting Their Fellow Nurses, Peer-to-Peer

UConn Health’s nurses have a new resource to help them deal with the demands of their job, with support coming from peers who can relate.

Nurse Lina Godfrey, wearing personal protective equipment, holding a newborn

6 Nightingales Reflect Commitment of Entire UConn Health Nursing Staff

Paying tribute to nurses who served during a year of unprecedented challenge

The UConn Health Pulse Podcast logo.

Teens, Screens, and Anxiety/Depression

What is the relationship between our teens' relationship with their smartphones and their mental health? A UConn Health psychiatrist shares what his research is finding.

Dr. Rebecca Andrews interacting with patient pre-COVID

National Leadership Role for UConn Health’s Dr. Rebecca Andrews

Dr. Rebecca Andrews, UConn Health primary care physician, begins a one-year term as chair of the board of governors for the American College of Physicians, the largest medical specialty organization in the U.S.

Older couple sharing porch bench

A Plan for Parkinson’s Patients

UConn Health’s Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center now offers supportive care and planning services, enabling an early start on the long-term prognosis for patients as well as their family members and caregivers.

Collage of 2021 Simon awardees

2nd Simon Award Recognizes Stroke, Multiple Sclerosis Providers

A team of multiple sclerosis providers and the stroke clinical program coordinator are the co-winners of UConn Health’s second annual Dr. Richard Simon Excellence in Clinical Neurosciences Award.

The UConn Health Pulse Podcast logo.

PODCAST: A Clear Voice on Vocal Health

Two founders of UConn Health's Voice and Speech Clinic join the UConn Health Pulse podcast to discuss voice disorders and how their practice helps voice users of all levels.

IT techs donning personal protective equipment

Pandemic Aside, All Tech Systems Go

UConn Health’s continuation of services for the duration of the pandemic is possible in large part because of the efforts by the information technology professionals who helped keep everything – and everyone – working.