About Us
The Health Equity Innovation & Collaboration (HEIC) Lab is dedicated to promoting health equity and social justice through research, education, and community services.
Hosted at the University of Connecticut School of Social Work, the lab is dedicated to addressing health disparities within sexual and gender minorities.
The HEIC lab’s research extends both across the U.S. and globally, seeking to mitigate health inequities and enhance well-being within marginalized communities.
Meet the Director
The HEIC Lab is directed by Dr. Chenglin Hong, assistant professor at the University of Connecticut School of Social Work.
Dr. Hong, trained as a social worker and community-based participatory researcher, conducts cutting-edge research aimed at improving sexual health and mental health outcomes for gay, bisexual, and other sexual minority men (SMM). His work integrates technology-based interventions and data science approaches, with a key emphasis on HIV prevention and intimate partner violence (IPV).
Dr. Hong has published over 60 peer-reviewed articles in leading journals, including the Journal of the International AIDS Society, Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, and AIDS and Behavior. His research has been funded by the American Psychological Association Science Directorate and the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues.
Dr. Hong earned his Ph.D. in social welfare from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and holds dual master’s degrees in Social Work (MSW) and Public Health (MPH) from the University of Washington, Seattle. He has advanced training in implementation science through programs at Johns Hopkins University, Northwestern University, and UCSF.
Research Opportunities
The HEIC lab is actively seeking passionate researchers, students, and collaborators interested in sexuality, health, and technology-driven interventions.
Our work focuses on reducing health disparities among sexual and gender minorities through innovative research methodologies, including machine learning, social network analysis, implementation science, and community-based participatory research.
We welcome individuals with diverse backgrounds in public health, social work, psychology, and related fields. The HEIC Lab also provides opportunities for students interested in learning research methods, engaging in interdisciplinary collaborations, and pursuing academic publications.
Join us in advancing knowledge and creating impactful, evidence-based solutions to improve the well-being of marginalized communities worldwide. Contact the HEIC Lab for more information.