News
Pitt Public Health researchers bring genetics expertise to inaugural Polynesian Precision Medicine Symposium
Department of Human Genetics faculty and students shared research and expertise in genetics and precision medicine at the inaugural Polynesian Precision Medicine Symposium, held July 29-31 in Apia, Samoa. The symposium brought together approximately 110 researchers, clinicians, community leaders and advocates from Samoa, Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia and the United States to explore how advances in genetics and precision medicine can improve health among Polynesian communities while remaining culturally responsive and community driven.
Robot pets may brighten the days of older adults, Pitt study finds
A study led by Steven M. Albert, PhD, emeritus professor of behavioral and community health sciences at Pitt Public Health, found that older adults receiving family caregiver support showed an increase in positive affect after receiving a low-cost robotic pet. The research earned a Bronze Award in the 2026 Innovative Research on Aging Awards from Mather Institute.
Pitt Public Health epidemiology students put classroom skills into action
Thirty-one Pitt Public Health epidemiology students gathered at the O'Hara Student Center Ballroom on Sept. 24 to showcase their work at the Department of Epidemiology’s annual Epidemiology in Action poster symposium.
Infectious diseases: Closing the knowledge gap
Accessible infectious disease knowledge is something Alex Sundermann, DrPH, assistant professor in epidemiology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, is passionate about. Through relatability and storytelling, he hopes that prevention and treatment will proactively impact public health outcomes.
Pitt Public Health researchers outline practical One Health model to predict and prevent infectious disease threats
In a new editorial, Suresh Kuchipudi, PhD, MVSc, MBA, professor and chair of infectious diseases and microbiology at Pitt Public Health, and co-authors from across Pennsylvania outline a practical One Health model designed to help regions identify emerging threats earlier and coordinate action across human, animal and environmental health.
Fifteen Penn Staters named 2026 Alumni Fellows
Fifteen Penn State alumni will be honored for their exceptional leadership and professional accomplishments as 2026 Alumni Fellows. Among them is Linda R. Frank, a nationally recognized leader in HIV/AIDS education and public health. Frank directs the MidAtlantic AIDS Education and Training Center and an infectious disease-focused MPH program. She is a leading voice in HIV care, workforce development and health equity.
Bird flu’s dairy cow disguise finally explained
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, led by Suresh Kuchipudi, PhD, professor of chair of infectious diseases and microbiology, have shed light on how the molecular structures that allow H5N1 to bind are abundant in cows' udder tissue but nearly absent from their airways. Published in Science Advances, the study provides the first explanation of the biological mechanism behind this pattern.
Pitt Public Health alumnus and Guinness World Record holder Francis Maxin returns to campus
Alumnus Francis Maxin (MPH, EPI ’75), recent Guinness World Record holder for the longest career as a male science instructor, returned to Pitt Public Health on Sept. 9 with his daughter, Amy Maxin (MPIA ’90), and granddaughter, Jennifer Lang Falgione, (MPH, EPI ’23).
Pitt Public Health researchers assess and compare air quality across Allegheny County
“Allegheny County consistently scores failing grades on the American Lung Association’s State of the Air reports, and Pittsburgh ranks among the worst U.S. metropolitan areas for particle pollution,” said Abdul Alobireed, PhD, a recent graduate in the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health at Pitt Public Health.
Wang receives R01 grant to analyze cellular organization and interaction mechanisms in Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a leading cause of disability and mortality among older adults, yet many of the mechanisms underlying the disease remain unclear. To help address these gaps, Jiebiao Wang, PhD, associate professor of biostatistics and health data science at the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health and of clinical and translational science at Pitt School of Medicine, has received an R01 grant from the National Institute on Aging, part of the National Institutes of Health.
Ayyavoo receives R01 grant to study HIV-induced neurocognitive impairment and complement in central nervous system
Velpandi Ayyavoo, PhD, professor and vice chair for research in the Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, received an R01 grant from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke—part of the National Institutes of Health—to investigate the mechanisms contributing to cognitive impairment in people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Sundermann named to Pittsburgh Magazine’s 2026 40 Under 40
Alexander Sundermann, DrPH, assistant professor of epidemiology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, has been named to Pittsburgh Magazine’s 2026 40 Under 40 class.
PHUSP scholars discover public health beyond the classroom
Twenty-eight undergraduate scholars spent eight weeks working with Pittsburgh-area organizations, conducting research and exploring careers in public health. Their summer projects—from food access and maternal health to housing, health equity and environmental health—showcased the many ways public health improves the health of communities.
Pitt sophomores launch KaleidoMed, bridging medical volunteering and social work advocacy
BSPH student Shrreya Narayanakumar and fellow Pitt undergraduate Gella Hample have launched KaleidoMed, a student-led group connecting pre-health and pre-med students with medical volunteering and social work advocacy opportunities in the Pittsburgh community.