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The lifeblood of the University of New Haven are the faculty and staff members who dedicate their lives to helping our students reach their goals. Periodically, we’ll introduce you to a member of the staff so you can learn more about them – beyond their day-to-day work.

Next up is Diane Polo ’21 MPH, associate director for health, wellness education, and prevention, a hockey fan who appreciates New Haven’s tasty pizza.

Renee Chmiel: What is your favorite meal?
Diane Polo: Picking a favorite meal is a tough one. I like to try foods from all over, and I also love to try to replicate them at home. One of my favorites is Peruvian food. Many of the dishes are influenced by Chinese and Japanese cuisine, which I also love. I grew up eating Peruvian food, but I still like to go to restaurants and try out their versions of my favorite dishes. Nothing, though, beats a home cooked meal made by my mom.

I recommend that anyone trying Peruvian food for the first time try “Lomo Saltado.” It’s a beef stir fry that may sound simple, but it is packed with flavor. There are also many variations of this with seafood and vegetarian dishes.

RC: If you won the lottery, what is your first purchase?
DP: I would buy a place where I could set up an animal sanctuary. Animal rescue is something that has always been important to me. Both of my cats, Willow and Ginger, are rescues, and one of them, I actually caught myself. She was in bad shape when I found her. Animals are very forgiving, and having a place where as many animals as possible have a place to sleep, eat, and be safe would be my dream come true.

RC: Please tell us about the research you’re doing as part of your doctorate.
DP: I have officially started the dissertation process, which I am excited and nervous about. We are still fine-tuning my exact questions, but they will be focused on the significance of referral or intervention to mental health services during a post-partum visit. I am also looking to evaluate the effectiveness of current screening practices. The postpartum period can be a very difficult time, and unfortunately, many people delay getting mental health help, if at all. It is essential to talk about how we can best support people through the post-partum period and better recognize when someone is struggling.

RC: What is one thing people are often surprised to learn about you?
DP: I really enjoy watching hockey. My husband’s family has been huge New York Rangers fans for years. It's hard not to love watching it when you have a family that is extremely passionate about the sport, not to mention it is really fast-paced and exciting to watch. They have turned me into a true hockey fan. You can even catch me yelling at the TV while watching games! We recently brought our daughter to her first game a few weeks ago, and it was a lot of fun.

RC: What do you like best about the Greater New Haven area?
DP: I am from Fairfield County but have spent a decent amount of time in this area. I really like that there is a lot to do and that there is something for everyone. There is a variety of restaurants and, most importantly, the best pizza. There also are many small businesses. One of my favorite places in New Haven is a plant shop called . It really fueled my love for plants, and I have now become a frequent flyer there.

RC: What do you enjoy the most about your role at the University of New Haven?
DP: I genuinely enjoy my job for many reasons. I get to work on projects and initiatives that help support our students’ holistic wellness, which is vital to their success and well-being. I also help students when they may be facing difficult situations, and I think it is important that students know that they have a support system on campus to help them navigate challenging times. I also get to work with the best people! I am thankful for the support of the Dean of Students office and all of the Student Affairs Division. It is much easier to accomplish goals when you are part of a team that supports and shares a similar mission. They really make working together enjoyable.