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

An illustration depicting a doctor's stethoscope as seen through a transparent pane of glass.

Keeping Sports From Becoming a Dangerous Game

While others consider lowering return-to-play threshold for athletes with genetic heart disease, UConn is holding to its high standard

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Podcast: Meet the ‘Trauma Avengers’

Some creative characters are part of a UConn Health-led nationwide project to improve mental health services for teens and young adults.

Eight students in cycling gear

UConn Medical, Dental Students Complete 18th X-Country Bike Tour

A record eight students carry on the UConn Health first-year summer tradition Coast to Coast for a Cause

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Population Health Team Exhibits Leadership at Multiple Levels

AVP Khadija Poitras-Rhea explains how her team demonstrates leadership, with the patients it serves and among its own members

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Podcast: Start School Sleep Schedule Soon!

Don't wait until the night before the first day of school to prioritize sleep, says UConn Health sleep disorders specialist

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Research Grant Targets Hao-Fountain Syndrome

Foundation for USP7 Related Diseases supports UConn Health structural biologist Irina Bezsonova's study of rare genetic disorder

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Tackling the Aspartame Argument with a UConn Health Expert

Natalie Ranelli, registered dietitian in UConn Health’s Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center, weighs in on synthetic sweetener’s safety

two men playing ping pong

UConn Health Patient Starts ‘Parkie Pong’ in Her Community

Ping pong shown to benefit motor function; social work, as a component of Parkinson’s disease care, emphasizes importance of socialization and community resources

Dr. Albertsen holding glass bowl in front of UConn Health sign

Patient Group Honors Dr. Peter Albertsen as Pioneer in Prostate Cancer Management

Chief and program director of UConn Health’s Division of Urology was an early advocate of active surveillance, originally an unpopular alternative to surgery and radiation in low-grade cancers

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Podcast: Managing Movement Disorders Like Parkinson’s Disease

Early diagnosis and intervention plus supportive care and planning can significantly improve quality of life for those with Parkinson's disease and their families