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

Dr. Andemariam with a patient

Shaping the Future of Adult Sickle Cell Care

UConn Health sickle cell disease expert Dr. Biree Andemariam is part of the global conversation on how to advance and improve the transition from pediatric to adult care.

man wearing black cap under cloudy sky

Coping With COVID? Mastering Social (But Not Emotional) Distancing

A UConn Health expert provides his analysis of how the coronavirus outbreak has changed our world, and offers recommendations on how to deal with the related stress and anxiety.

Students holding their award certificates

High School Science Standouts

More than 160 students from 37 high schools throughout Connecticut came to UConn Health for the Connecticut Regional Junior Science and Humanities Symposium, organized by the Connecticut Area Health Education Center.

High school student peforming mock arthoscopic surgery, cheered on by another student and Dr. Katherine Coyner

Widening Women’s Paths to Orthopedic Surgery

It’s a historically male-dominated medical specialty, but UConn Health orthopedic surgeon Katherine Coyner is working to change the course of that history.

Dr. Varalakshmi Niranjan posing in profile.

In the Battle With Obesity, Your Doctor is Your Ally

UConn Health Dr. Varalakshmi Niranjan at UConn Health offers perspective on effective treatment of obesity.

pre-K student brushes stuffed animal's teeth with a giant toothbrush

Teaching Dental Health Habits Early

UConn dental students bring a hands-on Children's Dental Health Month presentation to prekindergartners at the Glastonbury Magnet School, part of a week of service during Black History Month.

desk calendar with push pins

UConn Health March 2020 Programs, Events

Here is a list of UConn Health programs scheduled for March and early April 2020. This information will be updated with any additions or other schedule changes.

Med students petting therapy dog

Medical Alum Returns as Therapy Dog Handler

Dr. Karen Obadowski '77 MD periodically returns to UConn Health, not with her stethoscope, but with her dog Tenley.

desk calendar with push pins

UConn Health February 2020 Programs, Events

Here is a list of UConn Health programs scheduled for February and early March 2020, to be updated with any additions or other schedule changes.

Alejandro Bautista preparing anesthesia in operating room

Spotlight on Services: CRNAs

When it comes to procedures requiring anesthesia, UConn Health’s certified registered nurse anesthetists are a crucial part of patient care.