Dean's Day | School of Public Health

Dean’s Day is our annual showcase of student research featuring poster sessions during which students present their work to the multidisciplinary Pitt Public Health community.

To participate, students must prepare and submit an abstract. All currently matriculated Pitt Public Health students are eligible to compete, with the exception of the previous year’s first place master’s and doctoral winners.

2025 Schedule

Monday, March 31

New this year! Postdoc session:

Noon-2 p.m.

Vibha Acharya, Human Genetics
Cis- expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) analysis on blood-derived gene expression in older adults
Kaveh Moradi, Human Genetics
LMNB1 Downregulation as a strategy for Reversing Autosomal Dominant Leukodystrophy (ADLD) – Genetic and AAV mediated approaches
Meredith Phillips, Epidemiology
Estimating the association between three measures of midlife socioeconomic status and brain structure
Meiyuzhen Qi, Epidemiology
Women’s Midlife Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure Multi-trajectories and Future Cognitive Decline: The Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN)
Jacob Whitman, Health and Policy Management
The Impact of For-Profit Hospice Providers on End-of-Life Care for Prostate Cancer Decedents

This is the first year the School of Public Health has invited postdoctoral trainees to present their research to the public health community. Thank you to judges Toni Deslouches, EOH, Stina Mair, BCHS, Jeremy Martinson, IDM, Beth Roman, HUGEN, Catarina Rosano, EPI, Lindsay Sabik, HPM, and George Tseng, BIOST

Tuesday, April 1

10 a.m.-Noon

Alyssa Arreola, MPH student in Human Genetics
Association Between Genetic Variant Burden and Risk and Severity of Chronic Respiratory Diseases
Amanda Back, PhD student in Human Genetics
The secret is in the stool: developing a safe and accessible screening technique for rare intestinal disease in neonates
Christine Crasto, PhD student in Infectious Diseases and Microbiology
Evaluation insight from a Pennsylvania based county comparison of “Power of PrEP” social media health campaign
Eric Evans, PhD student in Infectious Diseases and Microbiology
Characterization of Enterococcus faecium-targeting Minhovirus bacteriophages
Grace Ferrell, MS student in Human Genetics
Healthcare Providers’ Attitudes Toward Newborn Screening for Niemann-Pick Disease Type C
Patsy Holtz, MPH student in Human Genetics
Providing Quality Diabetes Prevention Education in Rural Maryland
Ian Jacobs, PhD student in Epidemiology
Evaluating Surveillance Trends in Environmentally Influenced Cancers in Southwestern Pennsylvania Counties as Compared to State and National Rates
Varsha Kaveti, MPH student in Epidemiology
Identifying Risk Factors for Postpartum Depression Among Mothers in Washington, DC
Jessie Klousnitzer, PhD student in Environmental and Occupational Health
Mechanism of reversion of colistin-resistant phenotypes in gram-negative ESKAPE pathogens: implication for colistin therapy
Mireya Lopez – Jimenez, MPH student in Human Genetics
Examining Global Accessibility and Utilization of Genetic Laboratory Reports: A Comprehensive Analysis of Factors Impacting Access and Use Across Borders
Melina Martin, MPH student in Behavioral and Community Health Sciences
Evaluation of Paratransit Trips in Allegheny County
Anna McKenna, MPH student in Behavioral and Community Health Sciences
Exploring the healthcare seeking behaviors of LGBTQ adults with Endometriosis: a qualitative study
Swastidipa Mukherjee, PhD student in Infectious Diseases and Microbiology
Comparative Analysis of Replication Fitness in the Novel Influenza D Virus Lineage D/CA2019 in Bovine and Human Cells: A One Health Approach
Alexa Pierce, MPH student in Health Policy and Management
Before, During, and After: A Resource Guide for Abortion Clients, Doulas, and Frontline Abortion Workers
Grace Resop, MPH student in Human Genetics
Uncovering the Burden of Hepatitis C Vertical Transmission in Suriname: A Path Toward Improved Testing and Care
Lauren Spor, PhD student in Human Genetics
GWAS meta-analyses of fasting glucose, fasting insulin, and HOMA-IR in Samoans
Alex Stauff, MS student in Human Genetics
Genetic Counseling Students’ Perspectives of Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing
Curtis Weaver, MS student in Human Genetics
Parental perspectives on cascade testing and self-inclusion in exome/genome sequencing for neurodevelopmental genetic diagnosis
Yanming Yu, MS student in Epidemiology
Association between performance fatigability severity and physical activity: Study of Muscle, Mobility and Aging

1-3 p.m.

Ellen Fleming, PhD student in Infectious Diseases and Microbiology
Herpes simplex virus type 1 ocular infection triggers brain inflammation at steady state and during neurodegenerative disease
Kimiasadat Golestaneh, PhD student in Human Genetics
Deciphering the role of SOX2 during retinal development
Vijayasri (Vj) Hari, MS student in Infectious Diseases and Microbiology
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor is expressed by alveolar macrophages in Mycobacterium tuberculosis-infected macaques and may impact local immune function
Patsy Holtz, MPH student in Human Genetics
The Role of Genetic and Environmental Factors in the Occurrence of Major Depressive Disorder as a Comorbidity of Type 2 Diabetes
Mae Horne, PhD student in Infectious Diseases and Microbiology
Defining the function of basic residues in chikungunya virus E2 glycoprotein in viral attachment and entry
Mohammad Ilias Hossain, MS student in Epidemiology
Racial Disparities In Fatal Police Encounters Involving Individuals With Serious Mental Illness In The United States: A 2023 Analysis
Qianhui Jin, PhD student in Epidemiology
Does diet quality change from periconception to 3 years postpartum?: findings from a large U.S. cohort
Alexis Mandell, MPH student in Epidemiology
An ABM of Strategies for Vaccination with an Emerging Influenza Virus and Limited Vaccines
Aubree E. McMahon, PhD student in Behavioral and Community Health Sciences
Defining Youth Empowerment in Madagascar using the Arts
Christopher Nagy, MPH student in Human Genetics
Genetic Etiologies of Down syndrome Associated Alzheimer’s Disease and Implications for Further Clinical Investigation
Megan Piechowicz, MS student in Human Genetics
Patient and guardian perceived comprehension and perspectives on benefits and challenges with return of children’s microarray genetic testing results through the electronic health portal after the enactment of the 21st Century CURES Act
Kathryn Ryan, MPH student in Human Genetics
Expanding the Genetic Landscape of Dental Health: A GWAS of Early Childhood Caries in Diverse Populations
Erin Salese, non-degree student
In Vivo selection of Tixagevimab/Cilgavimab resistance mutations during prolonged SARS-CoV-2 infection in an immunocompromised individual

Wednesday, April 2

10 a.m.-Noon

Swathi Balaji, MS student in Human Genetics
DPYD-Focused Pharmacogenetics: Developing and Validating an Educational Toolkit for Oncology Prescribers
Ella Begovic, MS student in Infectious Diseases and Microbiology
Natural HIV-1 Capsid Protein Polymorphisms at Residue 107 Do Not Confer or Enhance Lenacapavir Resistance
Ruel Beresford, PhD student in Epidemiology
Association of African Genetic Ancestry with Lipid Profile and Dyslipidemias in the Tobago Health Study
Alejandra Bernal, MS student in Human Genetics
Exploring awareness of fertility preservation options in patients at risk of iatrogenic infertility. The role of Genetic Counselors
Lauren Carlson, PhD student in Epidemiology
Association of Bone Mineral Density with Progression and Incidence of Aortic Calcification: the ERA JUMP Study
Elizabeth Gilbride, PhD student in Infectious Diseases and Microbiology
Selection pressure and mutation analysis of H5N1 Clade 2.3.4.4b: understanding mammalian adaptation and public health implications
Melaina Jacoby, PhD student in Infectious Diseases and Microbiology
Systemic cytokine responses to alphavirus infection are dictated by viral replication dynamics in lymphoid tissues
Alexis Jones, MPH student in Infectious Diseases and Microbiology
The Synergistic Potentiation of AMP-antibiotic Combinations against Drug-resistant Gram-positive and Gram-negative Bacteria
Sindhu Karnam, PhD student in Epidemiology
Elevated short-chain fatty acid levels and increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in a prospective cohort study
Sarah Klotz, MPH student in Human Genetics
Pathways to resilience: exploring the associations between future orientation and mental health outcomes among youth impacted by community violence
Yilei Liu, PhD student in Epidemiology
High-Risk Medications in Pediatric Dentistry: Patterns, Outcomes, and Clinical Implications
Niyati Savur, MPH student in Human Genetics
Exploring the Applicability of US Genetic Counseling Frameworks among Indian Americans
Sarah Scott, PhD student in Epidemiology
Association Between Childhood Opportunity Index and Teen Economic Abuse: A Multilevel Analysis
Narges Zafari, PhD student in Human Genetics
Genome-Wide Association Study of Plasma Amyloid-B Biomarkers in the MYHAT Cohort Identifies Novel p-QTLs for Alzheimer's Disease

1-3 p.m.

Joseph Alejandro, PhD student in Behavioral and Community Health Sciences
Alcohol-cancer risk communication on social media: a content analysis of alcohol-related Instagram and TikTok posts
Miranda Aman, PhD student in Environmental and Occupational Health
Enhancing Indoor Air Quality and Environmental Health Literacy in Underserved Communities: A Public Health Practice Approach
Emily Bache, PhD student in Infectious Diseases and Microbiology
Taking a One Health approach to better understand human risk for tick-borne diseases in Western Pennsylvania
Lily Bessette, PhD student in Epidemiology
Frailty status and the use of guideline-directed medical therapy for older adults hospitalized with heart failure
Rebecca Caldino Bohn, PhD student in Human Genetics
Identification of Genetic and Environmental Risk Factors for Sepsis: Insights from the UK Biobank
Lauren Carlson, PhD student in Epidemiology
Association Between Cognition and Bone Health in Older Adults: Findings from the Study of Muscle, Mobility and Aging- Bone Study (SOMMA Bone)
Jerome Anthony Doerger, MS student in Human Genetics
Developing an Electronic Patient Registry to Assess Screening Adherence in Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia
Michelle Dougherty, PhD student in Behavioral and Community Health Sciences Exploring Community Members’ Perceptions of Resiliencies to Housing Eviction and Alcohol-Related Harms
Emma Gay, PhD student in Epidemiology
Bioenergetics and Fitness Profiles of Combined Perceived and Performance Fatigability Identifies High-Risk Older Adults
Lindsey Haines, MPH student in Human Genetics
Pharmacogenetic Variants in CYP2C9, VKORC1, CYP4F2, and CYP2C19: Implications for Precision Medicine in Samoans
Ashtyn Heckart, MPH student in Human Genetics
Examining factors related to Alcohol Use Disorder in undergraduate students
Bethany Hoschar, PhD student in Infectious Diseases and Microbiology
RAGE and RAGE ligands are expressed by myeloid cells in lung tissue from Mycobacterium tuberculosis-infected macaques
Hexin Lu, PhD student in Environmental and Occupational Health
The Dual Role of TLR2 in Lung Cancer: Promoting Early Tumor Growth and Modulating Inflammation and Differentiation in KRAS Mutant Mice
Baoli Qian, PhD student in Environmental and Occupational Health
The Impact of In Utero and Early Life Arsenic Exposure on Skeletal Muscle Metabolic Health: Evidence of Glycogen Depletion and Metabolic Shift
Dylan J. Tuttle, PhD student in Infectious Diseases and Microbiology
SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine-induced immune responses in men and women with HIV-1 and impact on the complement system
John Villandre, PhD student in Environmental and Occupational Health
Indole Metabolites as Novel Danger Signals to Lung Epithelial Cells
Toni-Ann Yapp, PhD student in Human Genetics
Validation of Multi-ancestry Polygenic Scores for Lipid Levels in 3,119 Participants from Samoa and American Samoa

Thursday, April 3

10 a.m.-Noon

Sarika Bapat, MPH student in Epidemiology
Global and local diversity and dissemination of plasmids containing the high-risk, antibiotic resistance gene, New Delhi Metallo-β-lactamase
Claire Bess, MPH student in Health Policy and Management
Building Bridges to Care: Developing the City of McKeesport Social Determinants of Health Accelerator Plan
Linyi Chen, PhD student in Epidemiology
Latent profile analysis to identify patients with respiratory symptoms at higher risk of influenza
Sanjana Cherian, MS student in Human Genetics
Structural Variation in Non-syndromic Cleft Lip with/without Palate
Emily Davis, PhD student in Human Genetics
VSX2 and SOX2 Co-regulate a Core Transcriptional Network in the Developing Retina
Nina Heilmann, PhD student in Epidemiology
D3-Creatine Muscle Mass and MRI Thigh Muscle Volume Associations with HR-pQCT and DXA Bone Parameters in Older Adults: The Study of Muscle, Mobility and Aging (SOMMA)
Daniel Lane, PhD student in Infectious Diseases and Microbiology
Targeting the rate-limiting enzyme PFKFB3 alters neutrophil interactions with Mycobacterium tuberculosis and formation of in vitro granulomas
Mengyi Li, PhD student in Epidemiology
Adherence to 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines to Americans and Arterial Stiffness in Older Adults
Michelle Marti, PhD student in Infectious Diseases and Microbiology
Genetic ancestry and the immune response to dengue virus in primary human skin cells
Courtney McGuire, MS student in Human Genetics
Caregiver Perspectives on Treatment Outcomes in GEMIN5-Related Disorders: A Concept Mapping Study
Amro Nasser, PhD student in Infectious Diseases and Microbiology
Premature High Levels of Antibody-Dependent Complement Activation is Associated with Severe Disease in Secondary DENV3 Infections
Thien Pham, PhD student in Biostatistics and Health Data Science
Bayesian Framework to Investigate Cross-species Congruence of Circadian Rhythms
Jennifer Reif, MS student in Human Genetics
Towards a Standardized Testing Strategy: Utility of Genetic Testing in Infantile Cardiomyopathy Patients
Alexandra Schleicher, MS student in Human Genetics
Physician Assistant and Nurse Practitioner Understanding of Hereditary Cancer Variants of Uncertain Significance
Jie Sun, PhD student in Human Genetics
Unveiling the Gut Microbiome Network Fingerprint: A Deep Learning Approach to Predict Immunotherapy Response in Melanoma Patients
Megha Yannam, MPH student in Infectious Diseases and Microbiology
Evaluating Risk Factors for Acute Respiratory Illness (ARI) in School-Age Children
Xinyi Zhang, PhD student in Biostatistics
Novel contributor to orofacial cleft risk identified at 7q33 through genome-wide multi-ancestry meta-analysis

1-3 p.m.

Gloria Olohirenuan Akhadelor-Job, MPH student in Epidemiology
Advancing Health Equity in Neonatal ICU Care: A Community-Engaged Doula Program for Black Families in Pittsburgh
Delmaliz Barreto, PhD student in Environmental and Occupational Health
SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence of Surinamese children and factors associated with seropositivity
Chinmayi Bethanabatla, MPH student in Epidemiology
Analysis of Stimulant and Buprenorphine Co-prescription on fatal overdose death
Gabriella M DiGiacomo, MPH student in Infectious Diseases and Microbiology
Blood Culture Contamination in Acute Care Hospitals: Implications for Antimicrobial Resistance
Nusrat Jahan, PhD student in Environmental and Occupational Health
The Association of Inorganic Arsenic Exposure with Hypertension and High Blood Pressure in the African Caribbean Adults in Tobago
Alexis Kiyanda, MS student in Environmental and Occupational Health
Associations between individual and mixtures of urinary trace element concentrations with odds of uterine fibroid prevalence among African-Caribbean women in the Tobago Health Study
Jennifer Kueppers, MPH student in Epidemiology
Advancing Health Equity Through the HAIR Program: Evaluating Stakeholder Engagement for Community-Based Health Interventions
Tianze Luo, PhD student in Human Genetics
Genome-wide analyses of orofacial cleft discover novel and validate known cleft loci in the Filipino population
Cindy Pan and Sade Tukuru, PhD students in Behavioral and Community Health Sciences and Epidemiology
The EMBRACE Center of Excellence and Implementing a Community-Informed and Equity-Centered Postpartum Care Model for Black Birthing People
Samantha Pokorny, MS student in Human Genetics
Analysis of Allegheny Health Network’s Colorectal Cancer Oncology Department Referral Rate to Cancer Genetics for Genetic Testing of Hereditary Colorectal Cancer 2023
Sarah Scott, PhD student in Epidemiology
Teen Economic Abuse and Social Network Characteristics: An Egocentric Social Network Analysis
Andrew Silva, MS student in Human Genetics
Genome-Wide Association Studies of Adiponectin in Samoan Adults
Gabrielle Waverly Gauldin, MS student in Human Genetics
Exploration of Transgender and Gender-Diverse (TGD) Patient Perspectives and Motivations in Prenatal Care
Samantha Zhang, PhD student in Epidemiology
The impact of maternal influenza infection and vaccination during pregnancy on birth outcomes
Yuanbo Zhang, PhD student in Health Policy and Management
Disparities in Access to Centralized Cancer Care: The Role of Travel Distance and Socioeconomic Deprivation

Congrats to our previous winners

2024 Winners

Dean's Day 2024 was a success! Nearly 90 graduate students and nine undergraduates presented over six sessions. Thank you to all of the student presenters and the faculty judges.

Dean's Day first place, master's: Emmanuela Abraham, BCHS
Dean’s Day second place, master’s: Claire Lama, BCHS
Dean’s Day third place, master’s: Sade Tukuru, EPIDEM

Dean’s Day first place doctoral: Stephanie Creasy, BCHS
Dean’s Day second place, doctoral: Bethany Hoschar, IDM
Dean’s Day third place, doctoral: Emily Nicholls, EOH

Rosenkranz Award for the project judged to be the most significant contribution to the public health field: Katherine Kim, HPM

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award, master's: Isabel Martin, EPIDEM
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award, doctoral: Genet Assefa, HUGEN

Catherine Cartier Ulrich Award, master's: Claire Lama, BCHS
Catherine Cartier Ulrich Award, doctoral: Stephanie Creasy, BCHS
Center for Public Health Practice, master's: Elizabeth Roy, HUGEN
Center for Public Health Practice, doctoral: Rebecca Bilden, HPM

2023 Winners

Dean’s Day first place master’s: Harika Dyer, EPIDEM
Dean’s Day second place, master’s: Shravan Leonard-Murali, EPIDEM
Dean’s Day third place, master’s: Rina Mahoney, HUGEN

Dean’s Day first place doctoral: Nathan Raabe, EPIDEM
Dean’s Day second place, doctoral: Arpita Tripathi, BCHS
Dean’s Day third place, doctoral: Ziling Mao, EPIDEM

Rosenkranz Award for the project judged to be the most significant contribution to the public health field: Samantha Rosenberg, BCHS

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award, master's: Aparna Ramani, HPM
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award, doctoral: Anna Lewis, IDM

Catherine Cartier Ulrich Award, master's: Harika Dyer and Kayla Ortiz, BCHS
Catherine Cartier Ulrich Award, doctoral: Adrianna Acevedo-Fontanez, EPIDEM
Center for Public Health Practice: Dara Czernikowski, BCHS

Department of Epidemiology master's award: Pooja Tallapeneni
Department of Epidemiology doctoral award: Lauren Shaver Roe
Department of Epidemiology health disparities award: Samantha Hernandez

2022 Winners

Dean’s Day first place master’s: Rachel Merritt, IDM
Dean’s Day second place, master’s: Monica Henderson, BCHS
Dean’s Day third place, master’s: Haley Director, HUGEN

Dean’s Day first place doctoral: Chinwoke Isiguzo, BCHS
Dean’s Day second place, doctoral: Jessie Klousnitzer, EOH
Dean’s Day third place, doctoral: Alice Gao, HPM

Rosenkranz Award for the project judged to be the most significant contribution to the public health field: Bethany Flage, IDM

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award, master's: Emily Arthur, EPI
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award, doctoral: Donald Bourne, HPM

Department of Epidemiology master's award: Teja Pulavarthi
Department of Epidemiology doctoral award: team of John Herberger, Rebecca McAdams, Alice Arcury-Quandt, Adrianna Acevedo-Fontanez
Department of Epidemiology diversity award: Carly Belz