Kelsi Carolan

Kelsi Carolan, PhD, is an Assistant Professor at the University of Connecticut and a licensed clinical social worker teaching in the Individuals, Groups, and Families concentration.

Her research examines systemic inequities degrading quality of life for individuals with chronic disease and disability, focusing on:

• Chronic disease and physical disability
• Social determinants of health
• Access to employment barriers
• Disability stigma and discrimination
• Interventions for quality-of-life improvement

Dr. Carolan employs qualitative and mixed methods with participatory frameworks that center community expertise, driven by her clinical experiences observing how social determinants shape health outcomes. Her work advances health equity and disability inclusion through social justice-oriented research and teaching.