BSPH News
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.
From high school project to publication: Anna Apetrei-Pandrea explores the health impacts of climate change
What began as a high school summer project for Anna Apetrei-Pandrea (BSPH ’29) eventually became a published review examining how climate change can affect human health in ways that extend far beyond rising temperatures. The narrative review, published in June in Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, examines the interconnected effects of global warming and climate change on public health, from the spread of vector-borne diseases to neurological and mental health concerns.
Emma Camps: Studying global health and sustainability in Switzerland
Emma Camps, a student enrolled in Pitt Public Health's accelerated 4+1 program earning her MPH in epidemiology, always knew she wanted to study abroad—and exactly where she wanted to go: Switzerland. “It made sense for me to go to Switzerland because it’s a hub for humanitarian action and sustainability, and the programs available there focused on global health and public health,” she said.
These fresh classes, majors and certificates open new possibilities
The School of Public Health is expanding its curriculum with four new innovative courses.
School of Public Health staff honored at annual award and recognition celebration
Members of Pitt Public Health’s staff were honored at the 2026 Staff Awards & Recognition Ceremony on Aug. 11. Staff milestones recognizing five to 40 years of service were also celebrated.
McCarthy receives grant to support bioethics study abroad program
Associate Professor Cindy McCarthy, DHCE, director of the Bioethics Certificate at the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, has received a $10,000 Institute for the International Education of Students (IES Abroad) Faculty-Led Program Global Pillars Grant to help support students participating in a new study abroad program.
BSPH undergraduate helps launch beauty clinic for women with gynecologic cancer
Bachelor of Science in Public Health sophomore May Coffman helped bring the Magee Beauty Clinic at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital to life by building on a concept she developed as part of her coursework. Held in June, the clinic brought together volunteers and beauty professionals to provide free beauty services, support and a welcoming community for more than 30 women receiving treatment for gynecologic cancers.
Pitt Public Health students harness the power of history to produce podcasts
In a unique collaboration between the Heinz History Center and Pitt Public Health, students in the Introduction to Community-Based Approaches to Public Health course are bridging the gap between past and present.
Student uses Reddit to explore views on organ donation
When the hit TV series “The Pitt” tackled organ donation, viewers turned to Reddit to share their own stories. Arushi Bansal worked with a team to turn those conversations into an award-winning research project. An undergraduate student at the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, Bansal earned the Best Poster in Social Sciences Award at the David C. Frederick Honors College Spring 2026 Research Symposium.
Scholars present their culminating work
BSPH capstone symposiumIn an exciting culminating event on April 13, 46 Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSPH) students presented academic posters to the Pitt Public Health community during the annual BSPH Capstone Symposium.
From research to action - National Public Health Week at Pitt Public Health
The School of Public Health joined APHA and public health champions around the country for the 2026 theme Ready. Set. Action!
Pitt takes second in 2026 National Bioethics Bowl
The University of Pittsburgh took second place at the 2026 National Bioethics Bowl on Saturday, April 11 at the School of Public Health, coming in one point behind Stanford University after initially splitting the judges’ opinions in the final round.
Drnach-Bonaventura honored with Distinguished Early Career Award
Grace M. Drnach-Bonaventura (EdD ’24), assistant professor in the Department of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, received a Distinguished Early Career Award from her alma mater, the University of Pittsburgh School of Education, where she earned her doctorate in social and comparative analysis of education. At Pitt Public Health, she teaches undergraduate and graduate students and studies the intersection of public health, health equity and education.
Provost’s awards recognize those who impact student success
Emily Snyder, undergraduate advisor for Pitt Public Health’s Bachelor of Science in Public Health program, received the 2026 Provost Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Student Success in the Professional Staff Academic Advisor category. The award recognizes staff, faculty and administrators who positively impact the student experience through collaborative, holistic advising and student success practices. Each award consists of a cash prize of $1,000 and a grant of $1,500 to support professional development activities. All awardees will be honored publicly at a reception event on March 26.