Public Health in Action: The Pittsburgh Summer Institute
Nine Pitt Public Health students participated in the 2025 Pittsburgh Summer Institute (PSI), a long-standing partnership between the school and the Allegheny County Health Department. Now in its 14th year, PSI offers a 200-hour practicum that blends the structure of a traditional internship with hands-on workforce development. The students presented their projects at a final showcase at the school on July 23.
Only 21% of midlife women have ideal Life’s Essential 8 scores
"The menopause transition is really a turning point for cardiovascular health," says Samar R. El Khoudary, a professor of epidemiology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health.
Searching for the keys to healthy aging
“Most people will have a period of poor health at the end of their lives no matter how long they live,” says Anne Newman, MD, MPH, distinguished professor of epidemiology, School of Public Health, and clinical director of the joint Pitt-UPMC Aging Institute. “But the goal of what we call ‘healthspan’ is to optimize health for as long as possible.”
Study: Emerging virus can infect placenta
A University of Pittsburgh team led by Department of Infectious Disease and Microbiology's Cynthia McMillen, PhD, has demonstrated that insect-spread Oropouche virus (OROV) can evade antiviral defenses in the placenta and infect the vital organ that connects mother and baby during fetal development.
Doing data with heart
For HPM Data Scientist Emma Mairson, no two days look alike. From analyzing data and writing manuscripts to supporting grants and presenting at conferences, she thrives on the variety her role offers. “Every project presents new questions to solve,” she says. “I get to do really important work—and I get to do it with people I admire and who empower me."
Exposed to black mold? The fear of Classroom 138
From a public health perspective, contacting the local health department for an environmental quality health specialist should’ve been the district’s first step, said Maureen Lichtveld, dean of Pitt's School of Public Health.
Tiffany Gary-Webb receives inaugural Dr. Felicia Hill-Briggs Health Equity Trailblazer in Diabetes Award
The American Diabetes Association presented the inaugural Dr. Felicia Hill-Briggs Health Equity Trailblazer in Diabetes Award to Epidemiology's Tiffany Gary-Webb.
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.