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Public Health in Action: The Pittsburgh Summer Institute

Nine Pitt Public Health students participated in the 2025 Pittsburgh Summer Institute (PSI), a long-standing partnership between the school and the Allegheny County Health Department. Now in its 14th year, PSI offers a 200-hour practicum that blends the structure of a traditional internship with hands-on workforce development. The students presented their projects at a final showcase at the school on July 23.
HPM's Emma Mairson

Doing data with heart

For HPM Data Scientist Emma Mairson, no two days look alike. From analyzing data and writing manuscripts to supporting grants and presenting at conferences, she thrives on the variety her role offers. “Every project presents new questions to solve,” she says. “I get to do really important work—and I get to do it with people I admire and who empower me."
Sunaina Kumar-Giebel headsot in front of flags

'Serving those who served us,' HPM alumna takes pride in serving a purpose in role as director of VA Rocky Mountain Network

In 2023, Sunaina Kumar-Giebel (HPM ’06) was appointed Director of the VA Rocky Mountain Network, which meant overseeing the care of more than a million patients, an operating budget of five billion dollars and more than 20,000 employees.

Mike Yantis headshot

Highmark VP of State Government Affairs Michael Yantis joins HPM as Public Health Leader-in-Residence

For the 2025-26 academic year, we are pleased to announce Michael Yantis as our Public Health Leader-in-Residence. The program enhances MPH students' exposure to real-world practice by mentoring them collectively and individually throughout the year on career development, leadership and more.
April Taylor

HPM alum April Taylor is 2025-26 Executive-in-Residence

We are pleased to announce April Taylor (MHA '04) as the 2025-26 Executive-in-Residence! The program enhances students' contact with and knowledge about the world of practice as the EIR meets with students collectively and individually regarding career development, professionalism and leadership.
vial of influenza vaccine

Flu vaccines may be more beneficial than thought

Study suggests that flu vaccines may be more effective than previously thought, offering both individual protection and broader public health benefits. “It not only reduces disease in the vaccinated portion of a population but also potentially provides indirect benefit to the unvaccinated portion.” 

Miranda Yaver

Evaluating U.S. federal health policy changes during the administration’s first 100 days

In a new Lancet Americas study, Miranda Yaver, PhD, assistant professor of health policy and management at Pitt’s School of Public Health, and colleagues examine the early effects of recent presidential federal policy changes on the U.S. health system.
Miranda Yaver

Experts weigh in on the future of Medicaid under new health bill

Numerous experts, including HPM's Miranda Yaver, predict that Medicaid cuts and new requirements in President Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill" will have widespread implications on Americans and state, federal funding mechanisms.
Theresa Chapple

New Center and Training Program Prepare Future Leaders in Maternal and Child Health

A new Center of Excellence in Maternal and Child Health Education, Science, and Practice is launching at Pitt Public Health—with a mission to train the next generation of public health leaders committed to improving outcomes for birthing people, children and families.
Coleman Drake

Anxiety diagnoses have overtaken Pennsylvania's medical cannabis program, study finds

"Adding anxiety to the [cannabis] program may inadvertently signal to patients that cannabis is effective for treating it, despite the lack of evidence, which is concerning,” Coleman Drake, associate professor of health policy and management, said in a statement.
graphic of measles dna

The rapid spread of measles in Gaines, Texas

The simulations, developed by Mary G. Krauland, research assistant professor, and Mark S. Roberts, professor of health policy and management based on the FRED modeling system, which uses the size and locations of schools and businesses, as well as census demographic data, to simulate the spread of diseases.
Ashawnti Buckner

Meet the Class of 2025 grads who won top University honors

Ashawnti Buckner, health policy and management MPH student, was a recipient of the 2025 Pitt’s Emma W. Locke Memorial Award.
person on computer looking up medicaid

"Elevating Voices" collegiate competition awards three winners in Medicaid Estate Recovery Project

The Department of Health Policy and Management placed third place for their work in researching and proposing innovative solutions to this problem.
three HPM students at department celebration

Life lessons, discovery and friendship among top memories for graduating HPM students

Two years can pass in the blink of an eye, especially for graduate students balancing life, practical learning experiences, other jobs, and personal lives.

With their time at Pitt drawing to a close, several HPM students reflected on their time together, what they’ve learned and what they’ll take with them into the next chapter.

kids holding up signs

Big adventures for little visitors

Pitt Public Health’s Take Your Child to Work Day.