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.
Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Hosts 2025 Research Day
The Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology (IDM) hosted its annual Research Day on Friday, November 14, bringing the department together for a celebration of student scholarship.
Our Region's Business - Pitt School of Public Health
Peter Salk, Pitt Public Health adjunct professor of infectious diseases and microbiology, reflects on the discovery of the polio vaccine with WPXI-TV's Bill Flanagan on "Our Region's Business."
ASM names Pitt School of Public Health a “Milestones in Microbiology” site
In recognition of its role in the successful development of the first safe, effective polio vaccine, the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) has designated the University of Pittsburgh its 21st “Milestones in Microbiology” site. The school celebrated the designation with a special Grand Rounds event and Milestones plaque unveiling on World Polio Day, Oct. 24, at the School of Public Health.
Pitt Public Health leaders participate in Global Innovation Summit
When the University of Pittsburgh hosted the 2025 Global Innovation Summit Oct. 20–21, Pitt Public Health leaders joined peers from education, business, science and technology to explore the future of health and innovation. The summit, “Forging the Future: The Intersection of Health, AI and Tech,” featured panels, innovation spotlights, site visits and discussions focused on how artificial intelligence is shaping future policy, education and health care.
Finding connection in science and community
Jacob Scioli, an MPH student in infectious diseases and microbiology, was drawn to public health after an internship at his county health department, where he worked on a youth vaping prevention grant. “One boy told me there had been a fire at his school because a vape exploded in a trash can,” he says. “Hearing stories like that made me realize how important it is to connect science with real lives.”
Jean Nachega inducted into the Congolese Academy of Sciences
Jean B. Nachega, MD, PhD, MPH, tenured associate professor of infectious diseases and microbiology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, has been formally inducted into the Académie Congolaise des Sciences (ACCOS), the Congolese Academy of Sciences.
Outbreak detection system saves lives
Alexander Sundermann, DrPH, assistant professor of infectious diseases and microbiology, discusses the development of an advanced outbreak detection system that leverages whole genome sequencing and machine learning to identify hospital-acquired infections more quickly and accurately. During a two year trial at UPMC, the system prevented numerous infections and deaths, while also significantly reducing healthcare costs. The findings suggest that broader implementation of this technology could greatly enhance patient safety and infection control in healthcare settings.
HIV education and training program funding renewed
The Mid-Atlantic AIDS Education and Training Center (MAAETC) received renewed U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration funding of more than $3.2 million for the second year of a five-year project period ending in 2029. Total funding for the project is nearly $18 million.
Student Affairs earns Pitt Sustainability recognition
The Office of Student Affairs at Pitt Public Health is celebrating a new milestone: recognition from Pitt’s Office of Sustainability as a Green Office at the Sapling level. That makes Student Affairs the first office in the school to earn the designation.
New Pitt classes and programs launch in fall 2025
Pitt Public Health is offering new courses for fall 2025, including a Disaster Preparedness Certificate and a course in AI in Health Data Science, as well as training opportunities through the Center of Excellence in Maternal and Child Health.
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.
Kuchipudi receives Fulbright Specialist award
School of Public Health researcher Suresh Kuchipudi, PhD, MVSc, MBA, will lead a One Health-based research and education program at the Universiti Malaya in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia this September.
Study: Emerging virus can infect placenta
A University of Pittsburgh team led by Department of Infectious Disease and Microbiology's Cynthia McMillen, PhD, has demonstrated that insect-spread Oropouche virus (OROV) can evade antiviral defenses in the placenta and infect the vital organ that connects mother and baby during fetal development.