News

childrens plastic toys

Quantifying the toll of plastics: Researchers link 350,000 global deaths to phthalate exposure

“Cardiovascular disease is really at the low end of health risks for phthalates, versus we know a lot about endocrine disruption,” said Barchowsky, professor of environmental and occupational health.
Dara Mendez

Intersections: Local laws aid black moms

Associate Professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Associate Director of the Center for Health Equity, Dara D. Méndez joins KDKA to discuss local efforts to help black moms give healthy births.
students in line at graduation

Congratulations, Health Sciences graduates!

Congratulations to the Spring 2025 graduates in the University of Pittsburgh’s schools of the health sciences!
photo of cassava root

Cassava Flour, chips, bread and more contain high levels of lead

“In Ghana [this contamination] tends to be a problem because we consume a lot of cassava. It’s our staple,” says Nesta Bortey-Sam, assistant professor of environmental and occupational health.
person posing in front of a building

Mission ready

Fresh off her graduation from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSPH), 22-year-old Izzy Seidman is already gearing up for her next adventure—this time, overseas as a medical officer in the U.S. Army.
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.
Akira Sekikawa

COPD in Japan vs. the US: Comparing Prevalence and Mortality Rates

Despite historically higher smoking rates, Japan has significantly lower COPD prevalence and mortality than the U.S.—a paradox that may be explained by elements of the Japanese diet and public health practices, as discussed by Akira Sekikawa, professor of epidemiology.
Miranda Aman poses for a photo

Farm roots, field goals

“I went to my advisor, and she mentioned a new program in public health,” says Aman, now a doctoral student in the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health at Pitt’s School of Public Health. “I took an intro class, and I was completely hooked.”
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.
older person driving

Off ramp: Why it's important to plan for retirement from driving

Steven Albert, professor of behavioral and community health sciences, said in an interview that, while individuals face better emotional and psychological outcomes if they plan ahead to retire from driving, most people don’t do it.
photo of iphone photo

Finding purpose in public health, one frame at a time

Lindsey Palmer’s journey from photographer to MPH student in behavioral and community health sciences and public health advocate is anything but traditional, yet it's deeply intentional. Every experience has brought her closer to work that feels meaningful.
group photo of people posing

2025 BSPH Capstone Symposium 

As part of the nationwide celebration of the 30th anniversary of National Public Health Week (NPHW), 23 Bachelor of Science in Public Health students presented their Capstone Projects at a poster session held in the Pitt Public Health building.
Dean Maureen Lichtveld

Researchers meet with East Palestine residents to discuss health study

“The concern is that the chemicals that have been released could impact the health of the liver. We’ll be collecting blood and urine from adults 18 years and older,” said Dean Maureen Lichtveld.
people posing for a photograph

A Pitt professor is bringing her global perspective to this African medical research partnership

Tiffany Gary-Webb, professor of epidemiology, has partnered with an African medical research alliance to better understand the prevalence and underlying causes of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in Senegal.
kids holding up signs

Big adventures for little visitors

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