9 Pitt affiliates were named New Pittsburgh Courier Women of Excellence
Tiffany Gary-Webb, associate professor of epidemiology and associate director of the Center for Health Equity, was one of nine Pitt leaders and affiliates have been recognized by the New Pittsburgh Courier as Women of Excellence for their professional achievements and contributions to the Greater Pittsburgh community.
Interprofessional experience at the Hub
For students like Nathan Raabe, a PhD candidate in the Department of Epidemiology at the School of Public Health and researcher in the Department of Medicine, Pitt's Vaccination and Health Connection Hub represents a practical application of decades worth of scientific research from many professional backgrounds, or what he calls "translational medicine."
Parents who delay baby's first vaccines also likely to skip measles shots
“Measles is sort of the canary in the coal mine, the smoke alarm,” said Dr. Lee Harrison, a professor of epidemiology and medicine at the University of Pittsburgh. “When you start to see declines in coverage rates, then you start to see outbreaks," Harrison said. “And that’s what we’re seeing.”
Epidemiology's Samaneh Farsijani selected to present at 2026 Senior Vice Chancellor's Research Seminar Series
Samaneh Farsijani, assistant professor of epidemiology, School of Public Health, will present research on chrononutrition and healthy aging on April 10, 2026.
Swanson named editor of top journal of epidemiology
Associate Professor of Epidemiology Sonja Swanson, ScD has been named editor-in-chief of Epidemiology, a leading journal of epidemiologic research and methodologic innovations. She will assume the role in January.
Martina Anto-Ocrah selected for the National Academies’ U.S.-Africa Frontiers Program
Martina Anto-Ocrah, assistant professor of medicine, School of Medicine, and of epidemiology, School of Public Health, has been selected to represent the School of Medicine at the National Academies’ U.S.-Africa Frontiers of Science, Engineering and Medicine Symposium 2026.
Pitt Public Health honors alumni at awards ceremony
The University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025 Alumni Awards, honoring graduates whose achievements exemplify the school’s mission to advance health and well-being locally and globally.
First-generation students find community and purpose at Pitt Public Health
From navigating college on their own to discovering confidence and community, first-generation students at Pitt Public Health share stories of resilience and connection.
Windshield wiper fluid found to harbor Legionella bacteria
Alex Sundermann, assistant professor of epidemiology, explains how windshield wiper fluid in automobiles has been found to harbor Legionella bacteria and offers practical advice on how to prevent it.
APHA honors Tiffany Gary-Webb
Congratulations to Epidemiology Professor Tiffany Gary-Webb, PhD, MHS, who received the 2025 Public Health Practice Award from the Epidemiology Section, American Public Health Association (APHA).
Two friends receive YWCA's Equity Awards for their community work
Dara Mendez, associate professor of epidemiology and associate director of the Center for Health Equity, will be honored with the YWCA’s Heroine Award at the Equity Awards in November. A founding member of the Black Equity Coalition and co-director of the EMBRACE Maternal Health Research Center of Excellence, Mendez has dedicated her career to advancing equity in public health and challenging policies that drive health disparities.
Strong family support helps kids with obesity build hope and lifelong health
Mary Ellen Vajravelu, assistant professor of pediatrics and epidemiology, studies and treats childhood obesity, especially as it impacts diabetes. She's found that a good approach to treating the condition — one that works over time — includes family support, healthcare education and tools, and listening skills.
The hidden link between racism and Alzheimer’s risk
Researchers should include historically minoritized communities in studies of these new frontiers in dementia diagnosis and treatment, says epidemiologist Beth Shaaban of the University of Pittsburgh. If adequate attention isn’t paid to diverse populations, communities that already experience disproportionate rates of dementia will be uninformed about their increased risk, how to lower it and how to access diagnoses and care. “We are very concerned that these disparities and the rapid evolution of the new technology could leave people behind,” Shaaban says.
CSI: Infection Control
Through 15 seasons and four spinoff shows, the intrepid investigators of television’s CSI franchise solved crimes with forensic science. Alexander Sundermann (DrPH, EPI ’22, MPH, IDM ’14) assistant professor of epidemiology, is investigating health care-associated infections with the same zeal to stop dangerous pathogens in their tracks—before they spread.