News

Sarah Siddiqui

Charting her own path

While many high school students are still discovering their career paths, Sarah Siddiqui set her sights on a clear goal early on.
Donald Burke

‘Nobody knew exactly what to do’: 5 years on, what scientific lessons were learned during COVID?

"Local response wasn’t perfect, but it wasn’t perfect anywhere," says Donald Burke, former dean of the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health.
Pitt Public Health building and text saying ranked #6 in NIH Funding

Pitt Public Health ranked 6th in NIH funding

The University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health has been ranked No. 6 among U.S. schools of public health for federal funding from the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), according to the newest rankings from the Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research (BRIMR).
David Arndt

Staff Spotlight: Meet IT Manager David Arndt

For nearly 35 years, IT Manager David Arndt has been a “fixer” for the School of Public Health, approaching his work with pride, empathy and a continual desire to learn.
child with measles

You don't want to throw a measles party

“Events promoting intentional exposure to measles, such as 'measles parties,' can overwhelm local public health and medical services while endangering the lives and health of many community members,” warned Dr. Theresa Chapple-McGruder, associate professor of health policy and management.
The Prigg well pad

FracTracker Alliance is mapping oil and gas impacts in Pennsylvania and beyond

The original FracTracker mapping tool was developed in 2010 as a crowd-sourced data project at the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Public Health to visualize and follow the impacts of shale gas extraction.
Dean Maureen Lichtveld at the CUGH Conference

Dean Maureen Lichtveld completes term as CUGH Board Chair

Pitt Public Health Dean Maureen Lichtveld, MD, MPH, spent her final term as board chair of the Consortium of Universities for Global Health (CUGH) presenting at the group’s 16th annual conference, “Innovating and Implementing in Global Health for a Sustainable Future.”
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.
chickens eating

We're infectious disease experts. Here's how soon Bird Flu could cause a pandemic.

“This virus is now demonstrating some of those hallmarks of a potential public health threat,” said Suresh Kuchipudi, a professor and chair of infectious diseases and microbiology.
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.
salem's market storefront

Pittsburgh Hill District residents, analysts wonder what’s next following Salem’s Market closure

Residents may not feel the impact immediately. But Professor and Chair of Epidemiology Tamara Dubowitz said the closing would have effects on the surrounding community.
Beth Hoffman

Pittsburgh woman remembers her sister's life-saving gift of organ donation

"Emily's the one who got me hooked on 'ER,' and that inspired me to become a paramedic when I was in college, to get interested in medicine," said Beth Hoffman, assistant professor of behavioral and community health sciences.
dairy cattle

First cows, now cats. Is Bird Flu coming for humans next?

“What makes the current situation really different is the force and extent of infection,” says Professor and Chair of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Suresh Kuchipudi.
Noah Wyle and Beth Hoffmann

Hollywood actor Noah Wyle makes a Pitt stop

Last week at Pitt’s School of Public Health, Hoffman—an assistant professor of behavioral and community health sciences—moderated a panel discussion featuring actor Noah Wyle.
Shenango Work’s plant

ER visit data for asthma show dip, but advocacy groups still fight for resources and answers

Sally Wenzel, professor and chair of environmental and occupational health, said the visit counts seem surprisingly low — and “certainly would not be in line with my experience,” which includes nearly 18 years as a pulmonologist with UPMC.