
Firm Footing
Thanks to the Guaranteed Admission Program, Pitt student Evan Trump had the freedom to explore—ultimately shifting from biology to biostatistics and health data science. After earning his bachelor’s degree, he took that spirit of discovery even further, hiking the 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine.
Public Health Science Academy Students Shine
Sixteen rising juniors and seniors from area high schools presented their research during a special closing event for the Public Health Science Academy July 18 at the School of Public Health.
Pitt Public Health established a new award, funded through the Jewish Healthcare Foundation
The University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health is using a $15,000 grant through the Jewish Healthcare Foundation to establish the Justin Reid Ehrenwerth Emerging Scholar Award. The award will go to high school students from under-resourced schools in the Pittsburgh area, allowing them to attend the school's Public Health Science Academy.
Donors study alongside students
The Fosters, longtime fixtures in Pittsburgh business and philanthropy, joined the 2025 class for “Public Health Threats in Suriname: From Ecosystem to Human Health,” meeting with public health and other government officials and observing ecological and economic threats to the country on the northeast coast of South America.
Pitt researchers discover distinct Alzheimer’s pathways in Down Syndrome
By analyzing genetic samples collected by the Alzheimer’s Biomarker Consortium–Down Syndrome, a team of researchers led by Ilyas Kamboh, a professor of human genetics and epidemiology at Pitt’s School of Public Health, discovered several distinct gene regions associated with adverse levels of amyloid and clumping-prone tau in the blood.
Pitt Public Health leaders unite to drive community-focused innovation
The School of Public Health convened its Board of Visitors on June 18, marking a pivotal moment as the school also invited its new Partner Advisory Board to join the all-day virtual meeting.
Pitt researchers want farmers' input for Asian longhorned tick study
“We’re really trying to work with livestock producers to help safeguard their herd health and productivity, and work to support Pennsylvania’s agricultural infrastructure,” said Danielle Tufts, assistant professor at Pitt’s School of Public Health and researcher of the study.
Why sleep is the single most important way to protect your health post-menopause
Samar R. El Khoudary, professor of epidemiology at Pitt's School of Public Health, encourages women to "take the reins on their heart health."
Dean's Office staff shines
Highlighting some of our amazing staff! We're celebrating Jess Sikora and fellow staff members for their years of service, spotlighting Jen Palaski’s participation in the Emerging Leaders @ Pitt pilot program and welcoming the newest Staff Council officers.
Consortium Connections: One Health in the spotlight
Representatives from across the Commonwealth recently took part in the first annual meeting of the Pennsylvania One Health Consortium, a coalition of experts focused on improving health and well-being for all Pennsylvanians.
Alarming number of measles cases sees U.S. on course to no longer consider the disease eradicated
“This is very worrisome,” said Donald Burke, former dean of the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health and an epidemiologist. Measles cases, he said, are “going in the wrong direction.”

Pitt researchers say residents will get results of tests for vinyl chloride and liver damage, refer people for treatment if needed
"We said unequivocally that every community member will get all their information personally," said Maureen Lichtveld, dean of Pitt's School of Public Health. "So if we see early warning signs, we will refer them to a specialist. We will also provide more overarching results."

We're Racing to Implement AI in Healthcare. But Who's Guiding the Way?
Alexander Sundermann, DrPH, assistant professor of epidemiology at Pitt Public Health, cautions against a full speed approach to implementing AI into clinical practice without adequate testing and oversight.
5 Pitt health sciences faculty members received 2025 Ascending Star Awards
Sonja Swanson, associate professor of epidemiology, is one of five faculty members in Pitt's Schools of the Health Sciences to receive a 2025 Ascending Star Award. She will give a research talk on September 4 at 3:30 p.m. in Alan Magee Scaife Hall, room 3785.