HPM News
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.
A summer of public health
Through the Pittsburgh Summer Institute, a long-standing partnership between the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health and the Allegheny County Health Department, students work alongside experienced mentors on projects that address community health challenges while exploring careers in governmental public health.
There are already more US measles cases this year than in all of 2025
“Not vaccinating your kid is like saying, ‘I don’t want my car to have brakes,’” said Mark Roberts, former director of the Public Health Dynamics Lab at the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health. “Because it’s other people that you can hit. It’s not just you in your car. It’s other people.”
Yaver honored for research and community engagement
The American Political Science Association’s Health Politics and Policy section has selected Pitt Public Health’s Miranda Yaver, assistant professor of health policy and management, for two of its annual awards. Yaver is a co-recipient of the Outstanding Public Engagement and Emerging Scholar Awards.
Deakings graduates from ADVANCER program
Jason Deakings, PhD, MSPH, assistant professor of behavioral and community health sciences, recently graduated from the Institute for Clinical Research Education's ADVANCER Program, a yearlong career development program for early-career faculty and researchers.
After Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, more young women opted for sterilization
A 2024 study by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health found that sterilization procedures increased immediately after Dobbs, especially among women ages 18–30. The increase has persisted, suggesting demand for permanent contraception remains high, according to lead author Jacqueline Ellison, assistant professor of health policy and management.
Public Health professor’s ‘Coverage Denied’ book dives into health insurance quagmire
Unlike most of us who stress out over and decry the ever-escalating cost and complexities of health insurance coverage, Pitt Public Health's Miranda Yaver, assistant professor of health policy and management, did something about it. She wrote a book.
From marathons to medicine: The multi-hyphenate journey of Sammy Cohan
Crossing the finish line of the Pittsburgh Marathon on the Boulevard of the Allies, Sammy Cohan (MPH ‘27) stretched his arms wide. Clad in his Pitt cap and gown, he was celebrating two major milestones at once: the completion of 26.2 miles and his graduation with a degree in neuroscience. While the finish line marked the end of his undergraduate career, it served as the starting line for his next chapter at Pitt Public Health in the Department of Health Policy and Management.
Pennsylvania lawmakers: Falling school vaccine rates need to be made public
Based on a recent analysis, the current rates in some of the schools in Pittsburgh are alarming and could lead to hundreds of cases of measles across Allegheny County, said Mary Krauland, an HPM assistant professor and investigator in the Pitt Public Health's Public Health Dynamics Laboratory. “These things can really blow up,” she said. “Every unprotected person is a possible case.” Not only should the information be provided by the state, she said, but “it needs to be done in a user-friendly manner. It needs to be out there.”
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.
HPM graduates reflect on growth, connections made, as they look toward their futures
HPM graduates share their favorite memories and words of advice.
HPM researchers awarded research grant to study insurance barriers to cancer treatment
More than 40% of adults will develop cancer in their lives, with 58% of those cases appearing in people aged 65 and older. While many people 65 and older are insured through Medicare, they may face barriers to treatment due to coverage restrictions.
HPM researcher focusing on the “why” and “how” behind tobacco policy and prevention
Cigarette popularity peaked in the United States in the 1950s and 60s with more than 45 percent of Americans smoking in 1954, and over 40% smoking throughout the 60s, with consumption peaking before 1963.
HPM’s Roberts calls it a career to an audience of family, friends and colleagues
Mark Roberts, MD, MPP, joined the Department of Health Policy and Management in 2010 and served as chair for more than a decade. Since then, he has been recognized by the University for his contributions to research and education, first as distinguished professor and now, in retirement, as professor emeritus.