News

Suresh K. posing for photo

mRNA vaccine technology makes headway via Pitt, Penn State research

"This study demonstrated two key aspects," said Suresh Kuchipudi, senior author on the paper and chair of infectious diseases and microbiology, "that we can produce mRNA vaccines with much less mRNA required, that will significantly lower the cost of the vaccines."
young adults playing video games

They’re not your grandfather’s videogames. But your grandfathers are playing them.

“One of the things we’ve seen since the pandemic is people consuming more media, especially on their phones,” said Beth Hoffman, assistant professor of behavioral and community health sciences.
Suresh Kuchipudi poses for a photo

Research funding makes understanding diseases like Avian Flu possible

Professor and chair of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Suresh Kuchipudi, focuses on avian flu and other animal-borne viruses and how they affect humans and animals.
A syringe is prepared with the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at a vaccination clinic.

The next generation of mRNA vaccines could be cheaper and more effective, Pitt research finds

Suresh Kuchipudi, chair of infectious diseases and microbiology, said the goal of his team’s research is to generate the science that can eventually be used to develop a product or inform other health applications.
peter lee speaking

Microsoft’s Peter Lee cheers Pitt graduates, urges ethical, equitable AI

Microsoft research president, Dr. Peter Lee assured University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health graduates on May 2 that their generation is uniquely positioned to steer the world toward healthier, more equitable futures—and he pledged that trailblazers in medicine and technology stand firmly behind them.
students working on study in a river

Community perceptions of a petrochemical plant’s environmental footprint

Before the Shell ethane cracker plant in Beaver County, Pa., fired up its flares in November 2022, Associate Professor of Biostatistics and Health Data Science Jeanine Buchanich, PhD, and her team at the University of Pittsburgh were already listening.
antonio Gumucio

Public health in action: Antonio Gumucio’s mission to transform public health

For Antonio Gumucio, an MPH student at Pitt’s School of Public Health in behavioral and community health sciences, public health is more than a field of study—it’s a calling that bridges science and community.
cat drinking from bowl

Cats, Carriers and Consequences

It is only a matter of time before this virus starts circulating among people," notes Suresh Kuchipudi.
photo of person posing

Tales from the bench

From the academy to industry
graphic of winners

Incoming BSPH students earn top scholarships from Pitt

Three incoming Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSPH) students have been selected for the University of Pittsburgh’s most distinguished scholarships for undergraduates.

Pushpika Basu and Layla Toomer were awarded Nordenberg Scholarships, and Kailin Gao received a Stamps Scholarship.

Maria Mori Brooks talking to student

Research funding makes advancements in women’s health possible

Professor of Epidemiology Maria Mori Brooks is the principal investigator of the SWAN coordinating center, located in Pittsburgh. She has an integral role in determining how each site collects data and how it is analyzed.
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.