Student in lab coat
How does DNA Determine Someone’s Predisposition to Disease?

Our department is dedicated to graduate training in human genetics research (including molecular, statistical, and bioinformatics research), public health genetics, and genetic counseling.

News

Eli Harter

Student Spotlight: Eli Harter

Talking to Public Health Genetics MPH student Eli (Eh-lee) Harter is an engaging experience—be ready to think deeply and take notes. Harter’s perspective is both insightful and thought-provoking, shaped by a diverse research background in genetics and applied sciences.

junk dna

A 'junk DNA' mutation that prevents a disease

"The function of gene silencers is only now being understood and in this case, it is allowing us to tell some patients who previously would have been given a fatal prognosis that they will not die of a cruel and debilitating disease," said senior author Quasar Padiath, professor and chair of human genetics.

abstract graphic of researchers in a lab

Public Health and Engineering team up on five research projects

Pitt’s School of Public Health, Swanson School of Engineering, and Clinical and Translational Science Institute have joined up to award $450,000 to five transdisciplinary pilot investigations focused on precision public health, a field that uses data science to develop targeted interventions by person, place and time.