June 10, 2022 | Matt Engelhardt

UConn Undergraduate Researchers Help Our Communities

At UConn, world-class research opportunities are not limited to faculty and graduate students. Undergraduates make contributions that impact Connecticut's communities and improve the lives of state residents.

Early research experiences provide UConn undergraduates with invaluable opportunities to study and examine topics of critical importance to the state and nation. Guided by a faculty of world-class mentors, students contribute to breakthroughs in STEM fields, create art that reflects these topics, and raise awareness of societal issues. Read on for a selection of Connecticut undergraduates who are impacting their communities.

Giving Visibility to the Voiceless

Joseph Vazquez is studying urban and community studies and human rights with a minor in public policy.(Christie Wang / UConn Photo)

Joseph Vazquez ’22, of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, is a first-generation student who has dedicated himself to educating the community about homelessness in Hartford. Supported by a UConn IDEA grant, Vazquez’s research is giving a voice to those whose stories are seldom told.

Healthy Habits Start Young

UConn undergraduates are critical in the University’s effort to educate communities on the benefits of good nutrition and healthy lifestyles. Through the USDA-funded Husky Programs, UConn is reaching out into public school classrooms to help develop good habits in preschoolers and elementary school students.

Treating Chronic Pain with CBD

a woman doing a test in a lab
Isabella Sanchez ’22 (NURS) was awarded an undergraduate grant to conduct summer research.

Chronic pain is a reality for many in Connecticut. UConn researchers — including nursing student Isabella Sanchez ’22 and other undergraduates —

are investigating whether CBD can be an effective treatment for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Life-Changing Innovations through Incubation Program

UConn’s Technology Incubation Program (TIP) provides faculty and students with incubator space and resources to develop technologies in fields including biomedical engineering and aerospace, helping launch startups across the state. For UConn Pharmacy students, TIP startups present real-world applications for research and development into potentially life-changing innovations.

For more stories about UConn Research, visit research.uconn.edu.