University of New Haven’s WeEmbody Lab Awarded for its Impact on Health Equity

The challenges facing healthcare today are complex, but so are the opportunities. At the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce’s 23rd Annual Health Care & Life Sciences Awards, Connecticut State Comptroller Sean Scanlon reminded the audience that while federal funding is shifting, “Connecticut, and specifically the New Haven area, is a national and international leader when it comes to health care innovation and delivery.”

That spirit of leadership was on full display as the University of New Haven’s WeEmbody Lab (or WE Lab) received the Well-Being/Wellness Program Award, recognizing the Lab’s community-driven approach to advancing mental wellness, health equity, and student engagement.

“The WeEmbody Lab at the University of New Haven is a powerful force for health equity and mental wellness, especially among youth and underserved communities,” said Brandon Rousseau, sales director at Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, as he presented the award.

Founded in 2019 by Alvin Tran, Sc.D., MPH, an associate professor and chair of the Department of Health Administration and Policy, the WE Lab has grown into a hub for student-driven research, advocacy, and policy work. “I want to empower first-generation college students just like myself,” said Dr. Tran. “I want to provide mentorship to my students and empower them to become changemakers in whatever community they represent.”

The WE Lab’s mission is personal for Dr. Tran, who shared, “I’m a first-generation college graduate, the first in my family to go to college, let alone earn a doctoral degree. The mentorship I received made that possible.”

Comptroller Scanlon emphasized the role every individual and community plays in shaping the future of health care. “We all need health care,” he said. “We all rely on healthcare, and it’s up to us to make sure that healthcare continues.”

The WeEmbody Lab’s work reflects this belief. It tackles urgent challenges such as disordered eating, food insecurity, and mental health stigma. By engaging with local communities through research and policy work, the WE Lab ensures that its initiatives are not only research-informed but also community-centered.

One example is its collaboration with the Connecticut Association of School-Based Health Centers to identify clinician training needs for the early detection of adolescent eating disorders. Another is its ongoing needs assessment in West Haven, which amplifies local voices to inform sustainable, trauma-informed health interventions.

Through this work, the lab isn’t just conducting research, it's also fostering change. “We embody community and engagement,” said Dr. Tran.

Student mentorship is at the heart of the WeEmbody Lab’s mission. Since its founding, the lab has provided opportunities for nearly 100 students to engage in meaningful research and advocacy projects.

“We’re creating a space where students can lead, where they can see the direct impact of their work,” said Dr. Tran. Many alumni have gone on to lead nonprofits, pursue careers in healthcare, and serve as advocates in their own communities.

The lab’s reach also extends to rural areas of Connecticut, where youth often face barriers to accessing mental health resources. Initiatives such as the regional Suicide Prevention Policy Summits in West Haven bring together legislators, healthcare professionals, students, and community leaders to drive trauma-informed policy change.

An annual celebration brings together lab members to recognize their achievements of the last year, from published research to community collaborations. “I want to celebrate all we did together,” said Dr. Tran. “I couldn’t do this without the support I have each and every day, from the University, from my colleagues, from my partner, and from the students.”

Standing before the crowd, Dr. Tran received the award with gratitude. “I accept this award not just for the University of New Haven, not just for the students, but for the community members and leaders we’ve had the opportunity to work with over the past seven years,” he said.