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

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Better Sleep, Best Self

“More people think that they need less sleep than they actually do.” Dr. Jennifer Kanaan, sleep medicine expert, tells the UConn Health Pulse podcast, making sleep a priority is a key to optimal performance, especially for adolescents.

Mother sending daughter off to school, both in masks

Back-to-School: A Family Medicine Perspective

In this year of uncertainty, what will the new school year bring? A UConn Health family medicine physician shares some thoughts on how to prepare.

Young female soccer coach wearing surgical mask

Fall Sports: OK to Play?

As pandemic mode extends into a new school year, UConn Health sports medicine physicians offer perspective on student athletics.

anatomic image of central nervous system

A United Fight Against Brain and Spinal Tumors

UConn Health, in collaboration with The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, establishes a brain and spinal tumor board to enhance its unique position to provide precision treatment.

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You Have a Brain Tumor. Now What?

Those found to have a brain or spinal tumor can benefit from a neuro-oncologist directing their care. Dr. Kevin Becker, who joined UConn Health to build its neuro-oncology program, joins the UConn Health Pulse podcast to explain.

Lenny's father-daughter dance

‘Longshot Lenny’ Finds Hope at UConn Health: ‘I Didn’t Want to Die’

He was told he had less than six months to live, and he should get his affairs in order. But Lenny Lewis wasn’t ready to give up, and neither was his team of UConn Health providers.

patient and scheduler in masks in the GI clinic

UConn Health Opens Esophageal Disease Center

The newly-launched UConn Health Esophageal Diseases Center brings together specialists equipped to focus on problems with the gateway to our digestive system.

Diabetes testing materials displayed on a table

Diabetes: Knowing Is (At Least) Half the Battle

A UConn Health certified diabetes care and education specialist explains, with the help of a medical student, how ignorance is the enemy when it comes to managing diabetes, 

nurse with custom-fitted frame over her mask

UConn-made COVID-19 Mask Solution Coming to Market

Licensing deal with Connecticut Biotech of South Windsor enables commercial production of custom-fit mask frames developed by UConn’s Connecticut Convergence Institute for Translation in Regenerative Engineering.

Drs. Beebe and Solovyova portaits, white coats

Dr. Roy Beebe, Longtime Orthopedic Surgeon, Retires

Dr. Olga Solovyova succeeds him as the total hip and knee replacement expert at UConn Health's orthopedic and sports medicine practice in Avon.