Faculty Accepting Graduate Students for Fall 2026

Below are faculty recruiting graduate students for Fall 2026. We will continue to update this page throughout the next few months. Note that Graduate Research Assistant positions are open only to graduate students enrolled in the Health Promotion Sciences PhD and MS programs. The priority admissions deadline is 12/1/25. However, we will continue to review applications into early 2026.

Anna-Michelle McSorleyDr. Anna-Michelle McSorley

e-mail: amcsorley@uconn.edu

Program (MS/PhD): MS, PhD

Number of openings: 1

Brief description of research: Our group engages with projects that center health equity and social justice for communities often found at the margins of society. Through a political and social determinants of health lens, we apply mixed methodologies to examine structures and systems that shape population health outcomes locally, nationally, and globally. Our work primarily focuses on Latine/x populations, with an emphasis on Puerto Rican communities. However, we approach our work in solidarity with communities who experience similar barriers to health and well-being. As a member of the team, you will have the opportunity to contribute to several active projects in the areas of Latine/x population health, data equity, health and social policy, and territorial health.

Research area key words: Population health, public health, Latine health, Latino health, Puerto Rican health, territorial health, political determinants of health, social determinants of health, policy

Specific certifications/skills required: Degree in health-related field (Bachelor’s for MS or MS/MPH for PhD); Prior experience with quantitative data analysis and/or community-engaged research methodologies; Proficiency in Spanish also preferred but not required.

Location: Our research space is located on the UConn Waterbury Campus.

Dr. Sherry Pagoto

e-mail: sherry.pagoto@uconn.edu

Program (MS/PhD): MS

Number of openings: 1

Brief description of research: Dr. Pagoto is recruiting Master’s students who are preparing themselves for doctoral programs in the areas of clinical health psychology, public health, and/or health promotion sciences. Dr. Pagoto’s laboratory is conducting NIH-funded research on digitally delivered lifestyle interventions. Students with interest in or experience with obesity treatment, nutrition research, and/or physical activity research are encouraged to apply. This Master’s program will equip the student to have a highly competitive doctoral application, including rigorous coursework in research design, biostatistics, and health promotion as well as presentations, publications, and hands on lab experience.

Research area key words: Obesity, social media, digital health, diabetes prevention

Specific certifications/skills required: Bachelor’s degree in health-related field; research experience; experience with social media platforms.

Mike CopenhaverDr. Michael Copenhaver

e-mail: michael.copenhaver@uconn.edu

Program (MS/PhD): MS or PhD

Number of openings: 1

Brief description of research: Dr. Copenhaver is recruiting students applying to our MS or PhD program in Health Promotion Sciences for Fall 2026. His NIH-funded work emphasizes tailoring and testing behavioral interventions for optimal use in community-based settings, like drug treatment programs. His ongoing randomized trial in New Haven, CT targets opioid-dependent adults using a bio-behavioral approach that integrates pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and an evidence-based behavioral intervention designed to prevent HIV among high-risk opioid-dependent persons in clinical care. He is also interested in understanding and accommodating cognitive dysfunction in this patient population so that they can more fully benefit from behavioral intervention approaches.

Research area key words: HIV prevention, opioid-dependence, cognitive dysfunction

Specific certifications/skills required: Bachelor’s degree in health-related field; research experience; interest/experience in addiction or HIV prevention research; strong scientific writing skills

Dr. Jacob Rohde

e-mail: jacob.rohde@uconn.edu

Program (MS/PhD): MS or PhD

Number of openings: 2

Brief description of research: Dr. Jacob Rohde is recruiting up to 2 Master’s or Ph.D. students with research interests in health communication, public health, health promotion, and behavioral science. Dr. Rohde’s lab studies how communication messages and processes impact public health outcomes. Ongoing lab projects include: 1) designing and evaluating cancer prevention risk messages, and 2) examining how social networks shape health behaviors. Students in the lab will receive training in core health communication research methods. In addition, students will learn key skills (e.g., data analysis, research writing/presenting) to prepare them for competitive careers in research, academia, and public health communication.

Research area key words: Health communication; health behavior; social networks; digital health; social media

Specific certifications/skills required: Research interest in health communication; bachelor’s degree in a communication, health, or related social science discipline; strong scientific writing skills are encouraged.