Helen Chen: Guiding Students and Supporting Faculty with Purpose
Academic Administrator Helen Chen brings to the Department of Biostatistics and Health Data Science a passion for people, organization, and education. A proud Pitt alumna, Chen studied business and Japanese as an undergrad at Pitt before earning her MBA at the Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business in 2022. While in graduate school, she developed an interest in organizational dynamics, a focus that lined up well with the world of academic administration.
Pitt studies highlight access to treatment in a Health Affairs special issue on Opioid Use Disorder
In a themed issue on the opioid crisis published in Health Affairs, three studies from University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health researchers underscore gaps in access to methadone, a medication that can reduce the risk of overdose-related deaths by 50% or more, and other evidence-based interventions.
Navigating Numbers: Douglas Landsittel's inspiring journey in biostatistics and public health
“I received a solid foundation in both theory and application,” Douglas Landsittel reflected on his time at Pitt. “That balance has been critical in every stage of my career.” His advice for students is clear: “Follow your interests, seek good mentors, and don’t be afraid to step into roles that push you to grow.”
New Pitt classes and programs launch in fall 2025
Pitt Public Health is offering new courses for fall 2025, including a Disaster Preparedness Certificate and a course in AI in Health Data Science, as well as training opportunities through the Center of Excellence in Maternal and Child Health.
Revolutionizing Asthma Diagnosis: Molin Yue’s Groundbreaking Research on Nasal Swab Testing and Asthma Subtypes in Youth
Molin Yue, a graduate student in the Department of Biostatistics and Health Data Science, was driven to enter asthma research because of his fascination with biology, a passion for solving real-world clinical problems and a desire to translate his undergraduate biological studies into practical clinical applications. "I wanted to bridge the gap between biology and practical clinical applications, particularly in pediatric asthma diagnosis,” he says about the decision to go to graduate school.
Lu Tang honored as an elected member of the International Statistical Institute
We are happy to share that Lu Tang, associate professor and VCE of biostatistics and health data science, has been selected as an elected member of the International Statistical Institute (ISI), one of the most prestigious global organizations dedicated to advancing the understanding, development and good practice of statistics worldwide.
‘The disease list goes on and on’: The health risks posed by rats, and how to keep them at bay
In addition to the destruction and nuisance they can cause, rats have long posed serious health risks to humans, explained Suresh Kuchipudi, a professor and chair of infectious diseases and microbiology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health.
Our Presentations at Joint Statistical Meetings 2025
Join the Department of Biostatistics and Health Data Science at the Joint Statistical Meetings (JSM) August 2-7 to explore the latest research from our faculty and students. We're excited to showcase our department's commitment to advancing the field. Don't miss the opportunity to visit our booth and engage with us during this year's event!
Contact Calvin Dziewulski if your presentation is not on the list.
Firm Footing
Thanks to the Guaranteed Admission Program, Pitt student Evan Trump had the freedom to explore—ultimately shifting from biology to biostatistics and health data science. After earning his bachelor’s degree, he took that spirit of discovery even further, hiking the 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine.
Community perceptions of a petrochemical plant’s environmental footprint
Before the Shell ethane cracker plant in Beaver County, Pa., fired up its flares in November 2022, Associate Professor of Biostatistics and Health Data Science Jeanine Buchanich, PhD, and her team at the University of Pittsburgh were already listening.
Wang is first author on Microbiome article
Wenjia Wang, a PhD candidate in biostatistics and health data science at Pitt’s School of Public Health, has made significant advancements in understanding the maternal-fetal microbiome connection.
Yan Ma and Ying Ding named Fellows of the American Statistical Association
School of Public Health Department of Biostatistics and Data Health Science faculty members Yan Ma, PhD, chair and professor, and Ying Ding, PhD, professor and associate dean of graduate academic affairs, have been elected Fellows of the American Statistical Association (ASA).
Health Sciences award recipients at Faculty Honors Convocation
On April 3, five Pitt Public Health faculty members were celebrated at Pitt’s Faculty Honors Convocation for their outstanding achievements.
From Pittsburgh Roots to Academic Heights: The Journey of Lauren Balmert Bonner
Looking back, Bonner is grateful for the solid foundation Pitt gave her. “The faculty, the hands-on experience, the community—it all made a difference,” she said.