New laboratory models reveal how Oropouche virus affects brain cells
Research conducted in the laboratory of Amy Hartman, PhD, associate professor of infectious diseases and microbiology, and published in PLoS Pathogens, sheds light on why a mosquito-borne virus has been linked to serious neurological problems during an ongoing outbreak in South and Central America.
Climate Alert: Warmer temperatures worsen kidney disease
A gradual rise in global temperatures that has intensified over the past decade is associated with a higher risk of kidney disease, according to a study published in the journal Kidney Medicine.
How biologic insights are refining severe asthma care
Environmental and Occupational Health Department Chair Sally Wenzel discusses the complexity of severe asthma management within Type 2 inflammation and the limitations of relying on a single biomarker assessment. She also differentiates childhood-onset allergic asthma from adult-onset disease, underscoring how age of onset—along with underlying biology—can inform therapeutic strategy.
Public Health faculty selected for Leadership Academy
Firoz Abdoel Wahid, MD, PhD, MPH and Jiebiao Wang, PhD, MS, have been selected to join the newest class of the Health Sciences Leadership Academy for Early Career Faculty, a yearlong professional development program designed to cultivate a generation of transformative academic leaders through shared leadership training.
Study will investigate suicide-related stressors facing Pennsylvania farmers
The University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health is launching a new study—funded by the Poultry and Livestock Center of Excellence—to investigate mental health challenges facing Pennsylvania’s poultry and swine farmers, including challenges exacerbated by infectious disease outbreaks and related disruptions. The exploratory project will examine the factors contributing to depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation within this essential workforce.
Study: Air pollution in Pittsburgh region responsible for 3,500 deaths in 2019
Jim Fabisiak, associate professor of environmental and occupational health, warned that the role of pollution in children’s IQ is still an evolving corner of public health science. “There’s a lot of uncertainty when it comes to IQ in terms of the effects of air pollution,” Fabisiak said. “What’s the appropriate exposure window for the effects of pollution on IQ? Is it prenatal? Is it something in early childhood?”
Deciphering D: A mysterious influenza strain infects livestock around the world
Influenza D virus, known in shorthand as IDV or flu D, has several of the worrisome features of influenza A: It occurs around the world, infects multiple species, and is fond of reassorting. “It is demonstrating all the hallmarks of an emerging pathogen for both animals and humans,” says Suresh Kuchipudi, chair of Pitt Public Health's Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology.
Shapiro administration invests $2.2 million in research to keep Pennsylvania agriculture growing and leading the nation
Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding announced a $2.2 million investment in 17 research grants to help agriculture continue to grow throughout the Commonwealth to and keep pace with changing technology, climate, emerging diseases and marketplace demands. The funding includes nearly $70,000 to Pitt Public Health for its project, One Health Surveillance of Novel Cattle Flu Virus at the Animal-Human Interface.
Lasting Lessons: Taking life personally
Nancy W. Glynn is associate professor of epidemiology in the School of Public Health, director of its master’s degree programs and co-director of the Center for Aging and Population Health. “I’ve always known that showing up mattered,” says Nancy W. Glynn, associate professor of epidemiology at the School of Public Health, director of its master’s degree programs and co-director of the Center for Aging and Population Health. “Showing up, you have the opportunity to have these interactions with your colleagues, talk about someone, talk about life.”
Doctoral student selected for AJPH fellowship
BCHS doctoral student Aubree McMahon has been selected to join the American Journal of Public Health (AJPH) Student Think Tank Fellowship for the 2026–2027 cohort. This highly competitive program brings together a small group of graduate students from across the U.S. to serve as an advisory cohort for the journal, contributing to special calls for papers, newsletters and student engagement initiatives.
Public health, close to home
What starts as a month-long summer program is quickly becoming a powerful pipeline: the Public Health Science Academy is helping Pittsburgh students discover public health and continue that interest into Pitt’s BSPH program.
Pitt Public Health student pays it forward
Emily Thomas, an MPH student at Pitt Public Health, draws on her family’s experiences with transplants and health challenges to advocate for organ donation and public health, turning personal lessons into community impact.
Hu Li joins Partner Advisory Board
The School of Public Health welcomes Hu Li, MD, PhD, as the newest member of its Partner Advisory Board (PAB), which works to encourage collaborative relationships between the school, employers and community stakeholders.
The growing health concerns of microplastics and what you can do to reduce your risks
Aaron Barchowsky, PhD, professor of environmental and occupational health, noted that the presence of microplastics in human systems has increased scientific interest. “But really, actually seeing that there is accumulation of the nanoplastics and microplastics in placentas or brains or kidneys has really fueled a lot of the concern."
One Health, Across Continents
Pitt Public Health recently welcomed two internationally recognized One Health leaders to campus to explore opportunities for collaboration across continents.