Two faculty members at the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health are being recognized for their outstanding contributions to teaching and student mentorship, reflecting a shared commitment to excellence across graduate and undergraduate education.
Megan Marron, PhD, assistant professor of epidemiology, has received the James L. Craig Endowed Excellence in Education Award, which honors exceptional teaching and mentoring of graduate students. Miranda Yaver, PhD, assistant professor of health policy and management, has been named the recipient of the Bernard D. Goldstein Undergraduate Public Health Teaching Award, which recognizes excellence in teaching in the Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSPH) program.
The Craig Award celebrates faculty who excel not only in the classroom, but also through individualized mentorship in theses, dissertations and other academic pursuits. Students describe Marron’s teaching as clear, thoughtful and highly supportive. In Fundamentals of Epidemiological Methods, one student noted that she “constructs lectures in a clear way to allow students to understand the material,” while incorporating “many practice problems and papers related to the course topics.”
Her commitment extends beyond scheduled class time. Marron holds extra office hours when anticipating that students may need additional support and provides review materials to help students prepare for exams. As a mentor, she is recognized for making complex material accessible. One nominator noted that she “consistently translated complex epidemiologic concepts into accessible, well-structured material, enabling students to build both confidence and competence.”
As a thesis advisor, Marron is described as “consistently positive, flexible and deeply supportive while maintaining high scientific standards,” fostering both strong research skills and professional growth. She also connects coursework to real-world public health applications by integrating current research, data analysis techniques and emerging topics in the field.
Yaver’s recognition highlights her impact on undergraduate students through engaging, accessible and student-centered teaching. Students emphasize her ability to break down complex health policy topics into digestible concepts, helping them better understand the intricacies of the U.S. health system.
Her classroom approach emphasizes dialogue and participation. Students note that she fosters discussion by posing thoughtful questions and encouraging them to connect policy to personal and real-world experiences. Her teaching style, marked by energy, humor and approachability, helps create an environment where students feel comfortable engaging deeply with the material.
Yaver’s dedication extends well beyond the classroom. She is known for her accessibility to students, offering support during office hours and maintaining availability even outside the academic term. Students credit her mentorship with shaping their academic and professional trajectories, from pursuing graduate education to applying for competitive scholarships and research opportunities.
She teaches the core Introduction to Health Policy and Management course required for all BSPH students, along with multiple undergraduate and graduate courses, and is actively involved in curriculum development to ensure coursework remains timely and relevant. Her broader contributions, including leadership roles, research and engagement in student recruitment, further strengthen the school’s educational mission.
Together, Marron and Yaver exemplify the school’s commitment to educational excellence, advancing public health training through innovative teaching, dedicated mentorship and meaningful student engagement at all levels.
-Clare Collins