Deciphering D: A mysterious influenza strain infects livestock around the world
Influenza D virus, known in shorthand as IDV or flu D, has several of the worrisome features of influenza A: It occurs around the world, infects multiple species, and is fond of reassorting. “It is demonstrating all the hallmarks of an emerging pathogen for both animals and humans,” says Suresh Kuchipudi, chair of Pitt Public Health's Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology.
Shapiro administration invests $2.2 million in research to keep Pennsylvania agriculture growing and leading the nation
Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding announced a $2.2 million investment in 17 research grants to help agriculture continue to grow throughout the Commonwealth to and keep pace with changing technology, climate, emerging diseases and marketplace demands. The funding includes nearly $70,000 to Pitt Public Health for its project, One Health Surveillance of Novel Cattle Flu Virus at the Animal-Human Interface.
Lasting Lessons: Taking life personally
Nancy W. Glynn is associate professor of epidemiology in the School of Public Health, director of its master’s degree programs and co-director of the Center for Aging and Population Health. “I’ve always known that showing up mattered,” says Nancy W. Glynn, associate professor of epidemiology at the School of Public Health, director of its master’s degree programs and co-director of the Center for Aging and Population Health. “Showing up, you have the opportunity to have these interactions with your colleagues, talk about someone, talk about life.”
Doctoral student selected for AJPH fellowship
BCHS doctoral student Aubree McMahon has been selected to join the American Journal of Public Health (AJPH) Student Think Tank Fellowship for the 2026–2027 cohort. This highly competitive program brings together a small group of graduate students from across the U.S. to serve as an advisory cohort for the journal, contributing to special calls for papers, newsletters and student engagement initiatives.
Public health, close to home
What starts as a month-long summer program is quickly becoming a powerful pipeline: the Public Health Science Academy is helping Pittsburgh students discover public health and continue that interest into Pitt’s BSPH program.
Pitt Public Health student pays it forward
Emily Thomas, an MPH student at Pitt Public Health, draws on her family’s experiences with transplants and health challenges to advocate for organ donation and public health, turning personal lessons into community impact.
Hu Li joins Partner Advisory Board
The School of Public Health welcomes Hu Li, MD, PhD, as the newest member of its Partner Advisory Board (PAB), which works to encourage collaborative relationships between the school, employers and community stakeholders.
The growing health concerns of microplastics and what you can do to reduce your risks
Aaron Barchowsky, PhD, professor of environmental and occupational health, noted that the presence of microplastics in human systems has increased scientific interest. “But really, actually seeing that there is accumulation of the nanoplastics and microplastics in placentas or brains or kidneys has really fueled a lot of the concern."
One Health, Across Continents
Pitt Public Health recently welcomed two internationally recognized One Health leaders to campus to explore opportunities for collaboration across continents.
Pitt Public Health's Erin Schuetz receives Chancellor’s Distinguished Service Award
Erin Schuetz, academic & student affairs administrator in the Department of Infectious Diseases & Microbiology, has been honored with the 2025 Chancellor’s Distinguished Service Award for Staff. These annual accolades recognize employees whose work demonstrates exceptional dedication to the University community and reflects Pitt’s spirit of possibility.
HPM alum Mark Sevco one of 20 Pitt people named to the Pittsburgh Power 100
Twenty Pitt leaders and alumni — including HPM alum Mark Sevco — are among the Pittsburgh Business Times’ 2026 Pittsburgh Power 100, an annual list recognizing the region’s most influential business leaders.
Dignity is in the details
The most important thing Arabella Johnson brought with her on outreach visits with Street Medicine at Pitt was not a medical kit. It was a willingness to listen to people experiencing homelessness.
Johnson, an MPH student in Pitt Public Health’s Department of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, joined the Street Medicine team nearly a year ago as part of her practicum. The clinical outreach program provides care directly to people living outdoors or in unstable housing. She quickly learned that dignity-informed items are just as essential as medical supplies.
Rebecca Thurston named Pitt Medicine’s associate dean for women’s health
Rebecca Thurston, Distinguished Professor of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, and professor of epidemiology, School of Public Health, has long worked at the interface of multiple fields, including menopause, neuroscience, cardiology, endocrinology, psychiatry, psychology and epidemiology, and she is widely lauded as an exceptional leader of interdisciplinary research teams.
Of mice and humans: What to know about the diseases mice can spread in the region
Danielle Tufts, an assistant professor of infectious diseases and microbiology and immunology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, says that simply seeing a mouse does not mean disease transmission is imminent or likely. But risk does increase with prolonged exposure, improper cleanup of droppings or nests, and contact with ticks that rely on mice as hosts.