Epidemiology News
Improving Protections from Heart Disease for Women with Type 1 Diabetes
Rachel Miller, research associate professor of epidemiology, and her team are studying how patterns of risk factors beyond blood glucose (blood sugar) differ for men and women with type 1 diabetes across their lifespan, and how these differences affect heart disease and other diabetes complications. Their work revealed that women with type 1 diabetes experience a significant drop in diastolic blood pressure as early as their 20s, decades sooner than the decline that naturally comes with reaching menopause
Marron and Yaver recognized for excellence in public health teaching and mentorship
Two faculty members at the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health are being recognized for their outstanding contributions to teaching and student mentorship, reflecting a shared commitment to excellence across graduate and undergraduate education. Megan Marron, PhD, assistant professor of epidemiology, has received the James L. Craig Endowed Excellence in Education Award, and Miranda Yaver, PhD, assistant professor of health policy and management, has been named the recipient of the Bernard D. Goldstein Undergraduate Public Health Teaching Award.
Genome sequencing reveals hidden HAI transmission and ethical challenges in patient notification
At the 2026 SHEA Spring Conference in Chicago, new research from Pitt Public Health epidemiologist Alexander Sundermann shows how whole genome sequencing is reshaping how hospitals track infections—revealing that many may go undetected with traditional methods.
Caterina Rosano selected for national ELAM leadership program
Caterina Rosano, MD, MPH, professor of epidemiology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, has been selected as a fellow in the 2026–2027 class of the Hedwig van Ameringen Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine Program (ELAM)—a highly competitive national program that prepares mid- to senior-level women faculty for executive leadership roles in academic health centers.
Immunity Lost: How Pennsylvania’s falling school vaccination rates and enforcement failures put thousands of children at risk
As vaccination rates fall, the risks are rising. Researchers at the Public Health Dynamics Laboratory used simulation models to show local school vaccination levels now mirror those in parts of the country where outbreaks have already occurred. “The protection built over decades is waning,” said Peter Salk, a faculty member at the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health — and even small outbreaks can have serious consequences, with roughly one death and 15 to 20 hospitalizations per 1,000 cases, according to Mark Roberts, former head of the lab.
A legacy gift advances the future of aging research
A planned gift to the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health is opening new doors for the next generation of researchers focused on aging and health. The donor, Calvin Shrader (BUS ’52), lived to age 99 and included the school’s Center for Aging and Population Health (CAPH) in his estate plans, reflecting a belief in research that helps people live longer, healthier lives.
A Pitt team develops computer model to track measles
The development of FRED — named after Pittsburgh’s legendary Fred Rogers — began in 2001 under the leadership of Dr. Donald Burke, the former dean of Pitt’s School of Public Health. “It was based on the notion that we were modeling communities and neighborhoods, and who cared more about neighborhoods and kids than Mister Rogers?” Dr. Burke said.
Hoffman and Christensen awarded Research!America microgrant
Beth Hoffman, PhD, MPH, assistant professor of behavioral and community health sciences, and Janelle Christensen, PhD, MPH, project manager, Department of Medicine, were recently awarded a 2025-26 Public Engagement Content award from Research!America.
The $3,000 microgrant will fund Hoffman and Christensen’s curriculum, training health science students to counter misinformation. Students, in partnership with the Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center, will teach seniors in the community these skills.
Raw dairy E. coli outbreaks are exposing something troubling
“In a world where over half of American adults use social media as a health information source, scientists and public health officials should meet people where they are: online,” writes Alex Sunderman, PhD, assistant professor of epidemiology, in an opinion piece published in The Washington Post. “If you are not reading people’s comments on raw milk advocacy posts during an outbreak, you may not appreciate how far ahead they already are. The people promoting raw milk have been sounding the alarm on social media for years. It is past time we showed up.” (Subscription may be required.)
Pitt study uses urine samples to map metal exposure in Caribbean adults
Urine tests—commonly used to detect infections or metabolic conditions—can also offer insights into environmental exposures that may shape long-term health.
In a new study, epidemiology and environmental and occupational health researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health analyzed urine samples from nearly 900 adults on the Caribbean island of Tobago to better understand metal exposures and what factors are related to those exposures.
Pitt Public Health rises in latest U.S. News rankings
The University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health continues to be recognized among the nation’s top programs in the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings. The school rose to No. 14 overall, advancing two spots from last year.
Strong showing for Pitt Public Health at American Heart Association conference
Early-career investigators from the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health were well represented at the American Heart Association Epidemiology and Prevention Scientific Sessions, held March 17-20 in Boston.
‘Move science into practice’: Pitt alumna returns to inspire next generation
Kimberly Gray (EPI ‘98), told Pitt Public Health students she once sat where they are now — worried about exams, defending her dissertation and what job opportunity might come next.
Now, the Pitt epidemiology alumna leads national research programs at the Population Health Branch of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), part of the National Institutes of Health, and returned to campus April 2 to speak at the Department of Epidemiology Spring Seminar on translating science into action.
How Pittsburgh innovators are improving patient safety
“Every single one of these statistics in my papers are real people who came to the hospital for care and became sicker. We at Pitt and UPMC have identified a way we can stop that,” said Alex Sunderman, PhD, assistant professor of epidemiology. “We can make patient care safer, we can prevent these infections, and we can save money.”