MPH in Public Health Genetics

The Master of Public Health (MPH) in Public Health Genetics program integrates human genetics and the public health science disciplines of epidemiology, behavioral and community health sciences, biostatistics, environmental health, and health services research with ethics, social sciences, public affairs, and law to prepare students for a career in the evolving field of public health genetics. Public health genetics encompasses issues at the forefront of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the implementation of genetic initiatives including access to genetic services, genetic literacy, genetic policy, and patient advocacy. It addresses society’s legal, ethical, financial, regulatory, and organizational responsibilities in offering genetic services and conducting genetic resources.

Competencies

Upon completion of the MPH in public health genetics, students will meet the following program-specific competencies:

  1. Apply knowledge of inheritance, including basic cellular and molecular mechanisms, and both genetic and non-genetic related risk factors for disease to understanding a variety of rare and common health conditions
  2. Assess and communicate the benefits, risks, and limitations of the integration of genetics and genomics principles and technologies into public health projects and initiatives
  3. Identify and assess the ethical, legal and social principles and issues important to public health genetics
  4. Effectively communicate genetic and genomic principles to the general public, public health professionals, and health care providers
  5. Evaluate how genetic principles/technologies apply to precision public health: the targeting of diagnosis, screening, and interventions for disease prevention and health promotion programs
  6. Promote integration of justice, health equity, diversity, and inclusion into genetics, public health genetics, and precision public health programs and initiatives

Ready to apply? Check out the MPH Admissions requirements.

Degree Requirements
  • Completion of 47 credits through a combination of human genetics core courses, public health core courses, and elective credits
  • A 200-hour practicum
  • A culminating project (MPH Essay or Thesis)
  • Graduates are required to meet the Human Genetics MPH competencies described above and all MPH Public Health Competencies
Curriculum

The MPH in Public Health Genetics curriculum is designed to give students a strong knowledge base in Human Genetics with a broad understanding of the field of public health. Through the coursework, students are immersed in current topics in human genetics, public health, and the ethical, legal and social issues important to the field of public health genetics.

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Practicum

All students in the MPH in Public Health Genetics program are required to complete a practicum. The practicum is a supervised practice experience of at least 200 hours, providing students an opportunity to develop skills and competencies in a public health setting.

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MPH Essay or Thesis

Students must write an MPH essay or thesis project, which may be based on the practicum experience or on another topic related to public health genetics or public health. Program support is available throughout the process of selecting, completing, and writing an MPH Essay or Thesis project.

Learn about Essay/Thesis

Examples of Current Alumni Careers

Recent graduates hold the following positions:

  • Project Manager, Geisinger Health System
  • Community Health Specialist, Bethlehem Health Bureau
  • Technical Solutions Engineer, Epic Systems
  • Senior Biocurator, Clinical Genome Resource
  • Program Manager for Pharmacogenomics, Pitt Pharmacy
  • Research Coordinator, Tatton Brown Rahman Syndrome Community
  • Certified Clinical Research Coordinator III, University of Virginia
  • Assistant Director of Operations and Regulatory Strategy, Genetic Alliance

Graduates also pursue doctoral study, medical school, and other degrees.

Program Leadership

Andrea Durst is the director of the MPH program in public health genetics and the associate director of the genetic counseling program. She has been a part of the leadership team since 2016 and currently participates in teaching, practicum advising, essay/thesis mentoring, student recruitment, and advising. Additionally, she serves as co-chair of the APHA Genomics Forum, co-chair of the Pennsylvania Cancer Coalition's Genetics/Genomics Workgroup, and associate editor in genetic literacy for the Journal of Community Genetics. 

Andrea L. Durst
Program Director

Andrea Durst

Class of 2027

Anastasia Pasynkov

Anastasia grew up in Chicago and earned her bachelor’s in Biology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. When researching MPH programs, Anastasia chose Pitt due to its smaller program and certificate options, allowing her to customize her education. Outside of the Public Health building, you can find Anastasia searching for a new vinyl record, hiking, or spending time with her cat, Richard, and family! 

Crystal Finzer

Crystal earned her bachelors from the Ohio State University, and brings with her varied developmental plant genetics research experience and insight into fundraising and advocacy through organizations such as Dance Marathon. She is passionate about advocay for the reduction of health disparities among minority groups.

Elise Malcho

Elise got her undergraduate degree at the University of Pittsburgh, and spent time doing Clinical Anesthesia and pharmacogenetics research for the university. She’s now continuing her time at Pitt in the MPH Public Health Genetics program to fill out her knowledge on the public health implications of the research she has been doing in order to healp the community on a broader level. 

Harsh Hiiwase

Harsh served in the Singapore armed forces for two years before pursuing his undergraduate degree in Molecular Biology at the University of Pittsburgh. His prior work in functional genomics in stroke research has shown him how multi-faceted science can be, and he hopes to work to bridge the gaps between basic science and serving people.

Holly Anthony

A current senior in the Bachelor of Public Health program here at the University of Pittsburgh, Holly is pursuing the 4+1 program and concurrently working on degree requirements for a MPH in Public Health Genetics. She hopes to find meaningful ways to help people achieve the best quality of life possible, not just on an individual level, but across populations.

Ifeanyi Igboaka

Ifeanyi got his bachelors in pharmaceutical sciences from the Ohio State University and earned his PharmD from Washington State University in 2024. With his strong pharmacy and research background, Ifeanyi brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the program! In his free time, you can find Ifeanyi writing, reading, playing the violin, or gaming. 

Isabella Lindert

Isabella graduated from the University of Minnesota – Duluth, in 2024, and acquired a wide variety of experience before starting graduate school. She interned with a cancer treatment company, volunteered with Make a Wish, and spent time interning in Naples, Italy. In addition to the MPH Genetics program, Isabella is pursuing the Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN) Certificate as a Long-Term Trainee with the Center of Excellence in Maternal and Child Health. She is interested in improving outcomes for children and families with rare genetic disorders.

Jennifer Wyle

Jennifer graduated from the University of Massachusetts - Amherst with a BS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and minor in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. Outside of school, you can find Jennifer reading, exploring the city, or singing in a local choir!

Kajal Patel

Kajal got her Bachelors degree in Cell Biology and Genetics from teh University of Maryland, College Park. A Genetic Counseling-MPH Public Health Genetics Dual Degree student, Kajal brings variety of previous experiences to the program, including time as a Clinical Research Coordinator, hospice aid, and Social Media Lead with the DNA Today Podcast. She was interested in Pitt Public Health to continue to work towards alleviating the healthcare burdens that minority populations face. In her free time, you can find Kajal baking, doing yoga, or hiking around Pittsburgh’s trails. 

 

Class of 2026

Alana Luppino

Alana graduated from the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science in 2020, earning dual degrees in Marine Science and Geological Sciences, with a minor in Art/Art History.  Alana is excited to use her interdisciplinary STEM background and personal experiences to improve care for patients with genetic diseases. Her goal is too bridge the gap between research and the patient experience.

Alison Cercy

A dual-degree MS in Genetic Counseling and MPH student, Alison got her bachelors degree in conservation biology from Clemson University and spent time working at environmental non-profits before making the switch to the healthcare world. She worked at Geisinger's MyCode population research project before coming to Pitt to take the next step in her education. 

Cassidy Mills

A dual-degree MS in Genetic Counseling and MPH student, Cassidy graduated from SUNY Geneseo in 2022 with a BS in Biology and a minor in Sociomedical Sciences. During undergrad, she researched ant-mimicking spiders  to explore their genetic diversity. After graduating, she worked in a clinical trial vaccines lab testing flu vaccines. You can find her hiking, reading, or taking her dog for a walk in her free time. 

Devin O'Reilly

Devin earned her B.S. in General Biology with minors in History and Literature from UC San Diego. She’s no stranger to adventure; her motto? "Will travel for genetics." This passion has taken her from the fields of Iowa as a Genetic Counseling Assistant in Hematology/Oncology at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics to Silicon Valley, having worked as a Clinic Assistant in OB Genetics at Stanford Medicine, and now she’s ready to tackle the City of Bridges.

Jose Campos Sanchez

Jose has a solid background in Biology and hands-on experience in a biopharmaceutical lab. He is  passionate about advancing precision medicine and hopes to use his expertise in public health to increase access to and awareness of genetic testing in the Latino community. 

Kaitlyn Watkins

Born and raised in sunny South Florida, Kaitlyn attended Florida State University from 2019-2023, earning a double major in Biological Science and Secondary STEM Education. After graduation, she spent a year teaching high school back home before deciding to take on a new challenge. Now she's here at Pitt, ready to dive into the MPH program and explore where this next chapter will lead. 

Kate Ramsey

Kate graduated from the University of Dayton in May 2024 with a B.S. in Biology and a minor in Neuroscience.  During her time at UD, Kate served as president of the American Cancer Society. She supervised a peer education program, all while volunteering at Dayton Children’s Hospital and Crisis Text Line! In her free time, she loves to read, enjoy peaceful walks with music, and spend quality time with friends and family.

Lauren Giles

Lauren graduated from Texas A&M with a BA in Biology and a minor in Psychology. When she's not diving into her studies, you'll find her exploring the outdoors or getting crafty with her favorite arts and DIY projects. 

Leah Fenimore

Leah earned her bachelor’s degree in Biology from Colorado State University and launched her career in international development in Tanzania, making a profound impact: She managed a wildlife conservation team focused on elephant conservation and community education, worked as a science educator, and focused a lot of her work on access to clean water in Mbeya, Tanzania. Now, Leah is excited to return to her scientific roots and explore the intersection of genetics and public health.

Lindsay Cook

Lindsay graduated from Penn State in 2024 with a BS in Genetic & Developmental Biology and a minor in Psychology. In her free time, Lindsay enjoys being outdoors and playing pickleball. 

McKenna Brunick

Hailing from Raleigh, NC, McKenna graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill in 2024 with a degree in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. She was a pole vaulter on the UNC  track team and dedicated her time to volunteering at Hopeline Crisis Call Center and Gigi's Playhouse.

Molly Malesko

A proud Pittsburgh native, Molly  graduated from John Carroll University with a degree in biology, along with minors in psychology and peace, justice, & human rights. When she's not studying, you'll find her exploring new restaurants, cooking up something delicious, or spending quality time with her friends, family, and her cats

Raye Palko

Raye is from just outside Cleveland, Ohio, and completed her undergrad at Miami University with a major in Microbiology and a minor in Art Therapy. After graduating in December 2022, she worked in the microbiology lab at Cleveland Clinic for the past year and a half before returning to school for her MPH.

Sarah O'Connell

A dual-degree MS in Genetic Counseling and MPH student, Sarah is a 2022 Penn State grad with a B.S. in Biobehavioral Health and a minor in Psychology. Sarah has also volunteered as a teaching intern, advocate for domestic violence survivors, ESL women’s health teacher, and served as an AmeriCorps member. When she’s not busy with school, you can find her reading , running long distances, crocheting, or hiking.

Sari Golden

Sari graduated from the University of Maryland with a B.S. in Cell Biology and dove right into the field, working as a Research Genetic Counseling Assistant at Nationwide Children's Hospital. Sari enjoys cooking up new dishes, spending time outdoors, and hanging out with her beloved dogs. When she’s not out exploring, Sari loves catching sports games, listening to music, and relaxing with friends and family.

Soncerae Yeager

Soncerae graduated from The Ohio State University with a B.S. in industrial hygiene and a minor in microbiology and chemistry. She also has a Master's in Safety Science from Indiana University of PA. Soncerae has always been passionate about public health, beginning with an interest in environmental health, transitioning to occupational safety and health, and now focusing on genetics. Soncerae serves on the executive board of CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate), strengthening her commitment to the power of education and advocacy in driving meaningful change.

Sophia Chesmer

Sophia graduated from Penn State with a BS in Biology and a minor in Disability Studies. During her time there, she served as a learning assistant in biology and was the president of Best Buddies. As she pursues her MPH, Sophia is passionate about investigating the biggest threats to public health in the disability community and finding ways to improve healthcare access. When she's not focused on public health, Sophia loves spending time with her family and enjoying the great outdoors!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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