IDM News
Suresh Kuchipudi named endowed chair in One Health
Suresh Kuchipudi, PhD, MVSc, MBA, professor and chair of infectious diseases and microbiology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, has been named the endowed chair in One Health.
Kuchipudi’s work advances One Health, an approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, plant and environmental health. Through research, education and partnerships, he has worked to strengthen collaboration across disciplines and institutions to better predict, prevent and respond to emerging health threats.
Public health is everywhere — so why not stop and talk about it?
That’s the idea behind a new monthly webinar series launching Oct. 13 from the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health. Hosted by Dean Maureen Lichtveld, MD, MPH, the series will bring the public into conversations about public health, the work of Pitt Public Health and the issues shaping the field. Each webinar will feature researchers, practitioners and community partners working to address some of today’s biggest public health challenges.
Pitt Public Health researchers outline practical One Health model to predict and prevent infectious disease threats
In a new editorial, Suresh Kuchipudi, PhD, MVSc, MBA, professor and chair of infectious diseases and microbiology at Pitt Public Health, and co-authors from across Pennsylvania outline a practical One Health model designed to help regions identify emerging threats earlier and coordinate action across human, animal and environmental health.
Fifteen Penn Staters named 2026 Alumni Fellows
Fifteen Penn State alumni will be honored for their exceptional leadership and professional accomplishments as 2026 Alumni Fellows. Among them is Linda R. Frank, a nationally recognized leader in HIV/AIDS education and public health. Frank directs the MidAtlantic AIDS Education and Training Center and an infectious disease-focused MPH program. She is a leading voice in HIV care, workforce development and health equity.
Bird flu’s dairy cow disguise finally explained
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, led by Suresh Kuchipudi, PhD, professor of chair of infectious diseases and microbiology, have shed light on how the molecular structures that allow H5N1 to bind are abundant in cows' udder tissue but nearly absent from their airways. Published in Science Advances, the study provides the first explanation of the biological mechanism behind this pattern.
Ayyavoo receives R01 grant to study HIV-induced neurocognitive impairment and complement in central nervous system
Velpandi Ayyavoo, PhD, professor and vice chair for research in the Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, received an R01 grant from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke—part of the National Institutes of Health—to investigate the mechanisms contributing to cognitive impairment in people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Pennsylvania tick season can hide a second dangerous infection
“There is some evidence that your symptoms will be more intense if you've got both of the infections,” said Danielle Tufts, assistant professor of infectious diseases and microbiology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, about co-infection with Lyme disease and Anaplasmosis, the state’s second-most common tick-borne illness. “You can get co-infected with them, but... if you get a treatment of doxycycline, it should take care of both.”
One Health promised, not delivered: Pitt Public Health researchers publish commentary on Ebola outbreak
In a correspondence published Aug. 20 in The Lancet, Suresh Kuchipudi, PhD, MVSc, MBA, professor and chair of infectious diseases and microbiology at Pitt Public Health, and an international team of global health experts argue that sustained investment in One Health systems is needed to detect and contain emerging diseases before they become larger outbreaks.
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.
Pitt researcher to speak at Lyme disease meeting
Danielle Tufts, assistant professor in the Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, will discuss the prevalence and risk of Lyme disease at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, at Citizens Library in Washington, Pa.
Pitt Public Health researcher studies antibody responses following dengue infection
Sandra Bos, PhD, MPH, research assistant professor in the Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology at Pitt Public Health, is helping reshape scientists’ understanding of immunity following dengue infection, with a new study revealing that different antibody populations change over time in ways researchers did not expect.
Pa. Lyme disease cases near historic highs in Allegheny, Westmoreland counties
At the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, Danielle Tufts, assistant professor of infectious diseases and microbiology, and a team of researchers have been studying the tick population since 2022, collecting specimens from the same locations year over year to see how the population is changing.
Pitt Public Health welcomes global public health expert
One of the leading global experts in disease prevention, Malick Diara, MD, MBA, MPH, has joined the School of Public Health faculty as an adjunct associate professor in the Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology.