Interactive Global Portfolio
Where we work. What we’re working on.
Community-engaged. Evidence-driven.
We use digital health technologies and intervention science to develop and evaluate interventions that improve health and promote health equity among underserved and marginalized communities in the United States and globally.
Our research portfolio includes NIH-funded and non-federally funded projects, focused on developing evidence-based, scalable interventions for lasting impact.
Explore our research →Research Focus
Project Explorer
A just-in-time adaptive intervention (JITAI) for suicide prevention in Nepal
FundedThis project develops and evaluates a just-in-time adaptive intervention (JITAI) for suicide prevention in Nepal. The study aims to deliver timely, personalized support in response to changes in suicide risk and strengthen prevention in real-world settings.
Sponsor: NIH/NIMH R21MH139117/R33MH139117View on NIH RePORTER
Adapting an Intervention to Reduce Stigma among MSM and Healthcare Providers in Vietnam
FundedThis project adapts an evidence-based intervention to reduce stigma toward men who have sex with men (MSM) among both MSM and healthcare providers in Vietnam. The study aims to develop a culturally responsive approach to reducing stigma and improving access to respectful, inclusive healthcare.
Sponsor: NIH/FIC R01TW013193View on NIH RePORTER
Optimizing a Just-in-Time Adaptive Intervention to Increase Uptake of Chemsex Harm Reduction Services in MSM: A Micro-randomized Trial
FundedThis study proposes to optimize an app-based just-in-time adaptive intervention, called JomCare, which aims to reduce chemsex risk by delivering tailored support when a person is most likely to be vulnerable to chemsex risk behaviors and receptive to intervention, with the purpose of reducing risk and averting new HIV infections.
Sponsor: NIH/NIDA R01DA061661View on NIH RePORTER
Digital health tool for intersectional stigma assessment and reduction at multiple levels and multiple dimensions to improve HIV care in ART centers in Nepal
FundedThis project develops a digital health tool to assess and address intersectional stigma across multiple dimensions and levels of the HIV care continuum in Nepal. The study aims to identify stigma-related barriers and inform tailored strategies to improve engagement in HIV care at ART centers.
Sponsor: NIH/FIC R01TW012682View on NIH RePORTER
Optimization of a mHealth lifestyle intervention for college students: Multiphase optimization strategy (MOST) feasibility study
This project applies the Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST) to refine and assess the feasibility of a mobile health (mHealth) lifestyle intervention for college students. The study focuses on identifying an effective, scalable combination of intervention components to promote healthier behaviors.
Sponsor: UCDA/Hatch
Optimizing evidence-based HIV prevention targeting PWID on PrEP
FundedThis project uses a multiphase optimization strategy (MOST) to optimize HIV prevention for people who inject drugs (PWID) who are newly starting PrEP. The study evaluates intervention components designed to address cognitive barriers and improve PrEP use and HIV risk reduction.
Sponsor: NIH/NIDA R01DA055534View on NIH RePORTER
SAFE-SSP: Suicide Assessment and Facilitated Engagement in Syringe Service Programs
SAFE-SSP is a community-engaged research initiative focused on addressing the critical intersection of suicide risk and substance use among people who inject drugs.
Sponsor: UConn InCHIP
Project QuitIQ: Tobacco cessation among opioid-dependent individuals
This project uses a smartphone-based JITAI, informed by mobile EMA, to support tobacco cessation among individuals with OUD in New Haven, Connecticut. The project aims to deliver timely, personalized support to help participants reduce and quit tobacco use.
Sponsor: UConn EMERGE Program
Improving services for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among sexual and gender minorities in Nepal: A mixed-methods study
This study examines barriers to NCD prevention and care among SGM populations in Nepal. Using mixed methods, the project aims to identify gaps in health services and inform more inclusive, equitable, and culturally responsive NCD care.
Sponsor: UConn InCHIP
Development and testing of a mobile app to enhance HIV prevention cascade in Malaysian MSM
FundedThis project develops and tests a mobile app to strengthen the HIV prevention cascade among MSM in Malaysia. The study aims to improve engagement across HIV prevention services, from risk assessment and testing to linkage and continued prevention care.
Sponsor: NIH/FIC R33TW011665View on NIH RePORTER
Integrated online-to-offline (O2O) model of care for HIV prevention and treatment among MSM
FundedThis project develops and evaluates an integrated O2O model of care to strengthen HIV prevention and treatment services among MSM. The study aims to improve access, engagement, and linkage across online platforms and in-person health services.
Sponsor: NIH/NIMH R34MH130233View on NIH RePORTER
Online HIV self-testing intervention with O2O linkage to care for transgender women (TGW)
FundedThis project develops and tests a web-based HIV self-testing intervention with online-to-offline (O2O) linkage to HIV prevention and treatment services for transgender women in Malaysia. The study explores an integrated approach to expand HIV testing, facilitate timely linkage to care, and address related health needs.
Sponsor: NIH/NIMH R34MH130233-02S1View on NIH RePORTER
Mobile-Based EMA for predicting short-term suicidal thoughts & behavior
This project uses mobile-based EMA to identify short-term changes in suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The study aims to improve real-time risk prediction and inform timely, targeted prevention and intervention.
Sponsor: UConn InCHIP
Development and testing of a mobile app to enhance HIV prevention cascade in Malaysian MSM
FundedThis project develops and tests a mobile app to strengthen the HIV prevention cascade among MSM in Malaysia. The study aims to improve engagement across HIV prevention services, from risk assessment and testing to linkage and continued prevention care.
Sponsor: NIH/FIC R21TW011665View on NIH RePORTER
Project SHIP: Smartwatch health innovation program for people who use Opioids
This project uses wearable devices to passively collect health data and monitor opioid use and overdose risk among people who use opioids in New Haven, Connecticut. The study evaluates the feasibility of using wearable technology for real-time monitoring and timely intervention.
Sponsor: UConn CAHNR
Project SHADE: Smartphone health assessment for digital engagement among chemsex-involved MSM
This project uses mobile-based EMA to examine chemsex-related behaviors among MSM in Malaysia. The feasibility and acceptability study will assess whether EMA can effectively capture these behaviors in real-world settings.
Sponsor: UConn CAHNR
Training in mHealth prevention with MSM
FundedThe proposed research focuses on first understanding MSM's preferences of specific attributes of PrEP delivery programs, followed by developing and testing a smartphone app to deliver a combination HIV prevention intervention that incorporates pre-exposure prophylaxis among MSM.
Sponsor: NIH/NIDA K01DA051346View on NIH RePORTER
Improving HIV testing and PrEP for transgender women through mHealth
FundedThis project develops and evaluates an mHealth intervention to improve HIV testing and PrEP uptake among transgender women in Malaysia. The study aims to expand access to HIV prevention services and strengthen engagement across the prevention continuum.
Sponsor: NIH/NIAID R21AI157857View on NIH RePORTER
Integrated rapid access to HIV prevention program for people who inject drugs
FundedThis project evaluates an integrated rapid-access model to increase uptake of HIV prevention services among PWID. The program aims to reduce barriers to prevention and improve timely access to HIV testing, PrEP, and related services.
Sponsor: NIH/NIDA R21DA051934View on NIH RePORTER
Expanding Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Implementation in Communities of People Who Inject Drugs and Their Risk Network Members
This project examines strategies to expand PrEP implementation among people who inject drugs and members of their risk networks. The study focuses on improving access, uptake, and sustained use of PrEP in communities at elevated risk for HIV.
Sponsor: Gilead Sciences IN-US-412-5629
Integrated rapid access to HIV prevention program for people who inject drugs (iRaPID) program
This project supports the development and implementation of an integrated rapid-access HIV prevention program for people who inject drugs. The program aims to improve timely access to HIV prevention services and strengthen engagement across the prevention continuum.
Sponsor: Gilead Research Scholar Program in HIV
mHealth intervention to reduce harm of sexualized drug use among MSM in Malaysia
This project uses a mobile health (mHealth) intervention to reduce the harms associated with sexualized drug use among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Malaysia. The study explores technology-enabled strategies to support harm reduction and improve sexual and behavioral health outcomes.
Sponsor: UConn CAHNR
Examining Ethical Concerns in the Context of App-Based HIV Prevention Research
FundedThis project examines ethical considerations in the development and implementation of app-based HIV prevention research. The study explores issues related to privacy, consent, engagement, and the responsible use of digital technologies in HIV prevention.
Sponsor: NIH/NIDA R25DA031608View on NIH RePORTER
Methadone vs. buprenorphine therapy for opioid dependence: Diet and metabolic implications
This project compares methadone and buprenorphine treatment for opioid dependence, with a focus on dietary and metabolic outcomes. The study examines how different medications may affect nutrition, metabolism, and related health outcomes during opioid treatment.
Sponsor: Rutgers Busch Biomedical Grant Program
Developing an AI-Based mHealth Intervention to Increase HIV Testing in Malaysia
FundedThis project develops an AI-based chatbot to promote HIV testing among MSM in Malaysia. The intervention uses a conversational chatbot to reduce barriers to testing and increase engagement with HIV prevention services.
Sponsor: NIH/FIC R21TW011663/R33TW011663View on NIH RePORTER
Strengthening HIV care continuum for transgender women living with HIV in Malaysia
FundedThis project develops and evaluates strategies to strengthen the HIV care continuum among transgender women living with HIV in Malaysia. The study focuses on improving engagement in HIV care, treatment, and sustained viral suppression.
Sponsor: NIH/NIMH R21MH128114View on NIH RePORTER
Gamification to enhance engagement in HIV prevention and co-morbid conditions in MSM
FundedThis project uses gamification to increase engagement with HIV prevention and related health services among MSM in Malaysia. The intervention incorporates game-based strategies to promote participation in HIV prevention and management of co-occurring health conditions.
Sponsor: NIH/NIAID R21AI167773View on NIH RePORTER
Developing an artificial intelligence chatbot to promote HIV testing
FundedThis project develops an AI-powered chatbot to promote HIV testing among MSM in Malaysia. The intervention provides personalized, interactive support to address barriers to testing and encourage timely engagement with HIV prevention services.
Sponsor: NIH/NIAID R21AI152927View on NIH RePORTER
Wearable and EMA-Based JITAI for Physical Activity Among Sexual and Gender Minorities in Nepal
Project Paila is a JITAI designed to promote physical activity among MSM in Nepal. The intervention integrates multimodal data from EMA and a wearable device (Garmin) to deliver personalized, real-time support based on participants’ behaviors and contexts.
Sponsor: UConn EMERGE Program
Project FLOWE: Following Lymphedema Over time with Wearables and EMA
Project FLOWE is a 30-day study of breast cancer survivors with upper extremity lymphedema that combines twice-daily smartphone surveys with smartwatch data to examine daily changes in physical symptoms, sleep, mental health, fear of worsening or recurrence, social experiences, and confidence in managing lymphedema. The study also examines how these experiences and daily circumstances influence adherence to compression, massage, exercise, skin care, and other self-management activities, with the goal of informing more personalized and responsive lymphedema care.
Sponsor: UConn EMERGE Program