Accolades

2 faculty win Tina and David Bellet Teaching Excellence Awards

Pitt faculty members Bridget Keown and Ben Rottman were chosen as recipients of the 2024 Tina and David Bellet Teaching Excellence Awards, presented annually to outstanding and innovative undergraduate instructors in the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences.

The honor was established in 1998 with a gift from David Bellet (A&S ’67) and his wife, Tina, and endowed in 2008 through the family's further generosity. Students and faculty can submit nominations in the fall. Awardees selected by a committee each receive a cash prize of $10,000.

Keown, an assistant teaching professor in Pitt’s Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies Program, is leading a initiative to foster an interdisciplinary program in gender and science at Pitt. Her current research examines the history of kinship among gay and lesbian groups during the AIDS outbreak in the U.S. and Ireland. While earning her PhD at Northwestern University, she focused on the experience and treatment of war-related trauma among British and Irish women during World War I and the Irish War of Independence as well as the construction of history through trauma.

Rottman is an associate professor in the Department of Psychology and a research scientist studying causal learning, reasoning, judgment and medical decision-making in Pitt’s Learning Research and Development Center (LRDC). In September, he received a Course Transformation Award from the discipline-Based Science Education Research Center to adapt a large-enrollment Research Methods course to offer students more active learning. Rottman and other LRDC scientists recently contributed to a special edition of the Journal of Cognitive Research that focused on the development and retention of medical expertise.

2024 Provost’s Award for Excellence in Doctoral Mentoring winners announced

The Provost’s Award for Excellence in Doctoral Mentoring recognizes outstanding mentors who substantially impact students seeking research doctorate degrees.

Each year, the Pitt office presents up to four awards, including a $2,500 prize to the graduate faculty member responsible for training the next generation of researchers. The prize is in its 19th year.

This year’s awardees included:

 

 

School of Medicine increases female representation in endowed chairs

In 2021, JoAnne Flynn, distinguished professor of microbiology and molecular genetics and now chair of that department, looked into the demographics of the School of Medicine’s endowed chairs, and found that out of 84, only 13 were held by women. Yet women make up 44 percent of the faculty.

Flynn and colleagues, who had formed a task force, met with Dean Anantha Shekhar to discuss their findings; and he committed to expanding leadership opportunities and support for women faculty. Since then, the school has named three more women as endowed professors.

Patricia Opresko, a leading telomere researcher, is the Dr. Bernard F. Fisher Professor of Breast Cancer Discovery Science. Opresko also serves as co-leader of the Genome Stability Program at the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center.

Wendie Berg, whose work focuses on optimizing breast cancer screening technologies, is the Dr. Bernard F. Fisher Professor of Breast Cancer Clinical Science. She works to improve breast cancer detection in women who have a history of breast cancer or dense breast tissue.

Raquel Buranosky, known for her work in women’s health and curriculum development, is the Dr. Leo H. Criep Professor in Patient Experience. Nationally regarded for her work in medical education, she is also the associate dean for clinical education in the Office of Medical Education.

“(Shekhar) is committed to raising the profile of women,” Flynn said. “And so far, I have to say, he’s doing a good job.”

Amy Williams will be honored by the American Academy of Arts and Letters

Amy Williams, professor in the Department of Music, is among four composers to receive a 2024 award from the American Academy of Arts and Letters (AAAL).

The $10,000 prize acknowledges artists who have arrived at their own voice. Williams will also receive an additional $10,000 grant to fund a recording of her work, which will also be presented during a spring concert at the AAAL library.

A new music composer, Williams often writes specialized pieces, with a specific performer’s abilities in mind. She is also an active chamber musician and a member of the Bugallo-Williams Piano Duo, an ensemble dedicated to performing challenging and under-performed repertoire from the 20th and 21st centuries.

 

 

Danny Chu named president-elect of the Society of University Surgeons

Danny Chu, professor of cardiothoracic surgery in the School of Medicine, has been named president-elect of the Society of University Surgeons (SUS). He has served as secretary of the society since 2021.

SUS is generally recognized as the world’s premier academic organization dedicated to the advancement of surgical sciences and supporting surgical leaders. Its members have played crucial roles in nearly all the critical developments within the field of modern surgery, from the most basic scientific breakthroughs to technological advances used at the bedside and in the operating room.

Pitt professors of surgery have a strong tradition of SUS leadership. Allan Tsung (2018), David A. Geller (2009), George K. Gittes (2005), Timothy R. Billiar (2000), Richard L. Simmons (1977), and Henry “Hank” T. Bahnson (1965) have previously led the society with distinction.

Chu, also director of cardiac surgery at VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, is a recognized expert in the Ozaki procedure, an innovative aortic valve-replacement technique using tissue from the sac around the heart instead of mechanical or animal tissue replacements. In keeping with the School of Medicine’s tradition of educational and clinical excellence, Chu hosts surgeons from around the world at Pitt for formal proctorships.

“We’re privileged to work with Danny, who is not only an outstanding heart surgeon but also an influential surgical leader with a deep passion for advancing our field,” says Ibrahim Sultan, chief of the Division of Cardiac Surgery as well as professor and executive vice chair in the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery. “His relentless advocacy for surgeon engagement and leadership in prominent societies like SUS have been invaluable to our department and Pitt.”

Chu will assume the presidency in 2025.

 

 

Bill Kline recognized by fellow Pitt-Bradford staffers

Bill Kline, director of computing, telecommunications and media (CTM) services at the Pitt-Bradford campus, received the school’s annual staff recognition award from his peers.

Kline, who has worked at Pitt-Bradford since 1984, was nominated by systems analyst Steven Ellison.

During his time working in CTM, Kline (UPB ’86, SCI ’00G) has had a significant role in adding ultramodern computing labs, improving cellular coverage and making sure anything with plugs is in working order.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, he led a seven-person team in creating the technology solutions needed for remote working and learning to happen.

“I have immensely enjoyed the last 40 years working at Pitt-Bradford,” Kline said. “It’s always about a team effort in CTM; it’s never about one person. We would not be where we are in technology at Pitt-Bradford without this great team.”

In addition to his official role, Kline has served as president of the Pitt-Bradford Staff Association and as an unofficial staff technology educator, teaching courses in programs like Microsoft Excel. He serves as an adjunct instructor and is always willing to help on campus where needed.

Lucas Berenbrok elected as an American Pharmacists Association Fellow

Lucas Berenbrok, associate professor in the School of Pharmacy, was elected a Fellow of the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) by its Academy of Pharmacy Practice and Management.

The academy can only select 10 fellows each year who demonstrated exemplary achievements in professional practice and outstanding service through activities in APhA and other organizations.

Berenbrok (PHARM ’13G, MED ’17G), who has a secondary appointment in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Department of Communication Science and Disorders, co-created an education program that teaches community pharmacists about over-the-counter hearing aids. He was also a co-recipient of the Provost’s 2019 Innovation in Education Award.

Two Pitt faculty — Kumta and Sahel — elected Fellows of National Academy of Inventors

University of Pittsburgh faculty members Prashant N. Kumta and José-Alain Sahel have been elected Fellows of the National Academy of Inventors.

Chancellor Joan Gabel recognized the accomplishments of both at the Jan. 18 Senate Council meeting. “They are the 13th and 14th Pitt faculty named NAI fellows since 2015, which is great,” she said.

Kumta is a pioneer in an array of research fields, including advanced nanostructured materials for energy storage and conversion, as well as functional nano-scale materials systems for hard and soft tissue engineering.

He is distinguished professor of bioengineering and the Edward R. Weidlein endowed chair professor in bioengineering at the Swanson School of Engineering, with secondary appointments in Chemical & Petroleum Engineering and Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science, and an appointment in School of Dental Medicine's Department of Oral and Craniofacial Sciences.

Sahel, distinguished professor and chair of the Department of Ophthalmology at the School of Medicine and endowed chair of the Eye and Ear Foundation, is a global trailblazer in vision restoration research.

Sahel is a leader in vision restoration techniques. He has developed several interventions—including stem cell implantation, gene therapy, innovative pharmacologic approaches and the artificial retina—for retinitis pigmentosa, other retinal dystrophies, age-related macular degeneration and other vision impairments that currently are untreatable.

He has pioneered optogenetic vision restoration, a technique in which cells in the retina are genetically modified to express light-sensitive proteins to help patients who are blind or visually impaired.

He is also a coinventor on more than 40 patents, several of which have led to start-up companies. He also was recently appointed to French President Emmanuel Macron’s new Presidential Council for Science, and he’s been a member of the French Academy of Sciences since 2007.

“He’s a global leader in vision restoration, literally giving sight back to the blind,” Gabel said. “It’s an incredible body of work that he's doing.”

The NAI Fellows program highlights academic inventors who have demonstrated a spirit of innovation in creating or facilitating outstanding inventions that have made a tangible impact on the quality of life, economic development, and the welfare of society. 

Pitt has launched a research partnership with bioMérieux

The University of Pittsburgh has launched a three-year research and development partnership with bioMérieux, a French biotech company and global leader in diagnostic solutions for infectious diseases, thanks to efforts from the University’s Office of Industry and Economic Partnerships.

For the inaugural project, a study on sequencing, researchers in Pitt’s Division of Clinical Microbiology and Division of Infectious Diseases will collaborate with the company’s analytical and sequencing team.

“BioMérieux is a worldwide leader in in-vitro diagnostics and testing solutions that address the health challenges posed by infectious diseases,” said Joseph Havrilla, associate vice chancellor for innovation and entrepreneurship. “Through this strategic collaboration across multiple university labs and departments, University of Pittsburgh researchers and clinicians are excited to work with bioMérieux scientists to confront these challenges and improve patient care by developing innovative diagnostic approaches for numerous infectious diseases.”

Sherman named acquisitions editor for Pitt Press on environmental issues

Amy Sherman is stepping into the role of acquisitions editor at the University of Pittsburgh Press, after 10 years at Pitt Press.

She started as an editorial assistant in acquisitions before advancing to her most recent role as managing editor in 2018. As managing editor, she has worked closely with authors on a range of books across our lists.

Sherman’s acquiring efforts will expand the Press’s longstanding environmental history list. She also will focus on food studies and books of regional interest. 

“Amy will play a key role in expanding, widening, and deepening our offerings in these important subject areas,” Pitt Press Director Peter Kracht said,  This marks an influential moment in our development as a press.” 

2 Pitt Law professors elected Fellows of the American Bar Foundation

John Linarelli and Christian Powell Sundquist, professors in the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, were elected as Fellows of the American Bar Foundation. Fellows achieve the prestigious status by invitation only, and membership is limited to 1% of licensed attorneys whose careers have demonstrated an outstanding dedication to the highest principles of the legal profession.

Linarelli is a leading voice in philosophical and critical theories of global justice in the context of international law. He co-authored “The Misery of International Law: Confrontations with Injustice in the Global Economy,” published by Oxford University Press, which won the European Society of International Law Book Prize in 2019. He serves as distinguished visiting professor of global legal studies at Jilin University in Changchun, China, and has delivered more than 70 talks and papers around the world.

Sundquist was named one of the leading scholars on issues of technology, race and innovation by the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies. He has published and presented widely on issues in the fields of critical race theory, bioethics, privacy, evidence law and criminal justice. His publications appear in numerous academic journals, including the Georgia State University Law Review, the Connecticut Law Review and the Harvard Blackletter Law Journal. Prior to joining Pitt, he served as associate dean of faculty research and scholarship at Albany Law School, where he co-founded The Institute for Racial Justice Research and Advocacy.

Anthony Grace awarded NIH grant continuation

Anthony Grace, a distinguished professor of neuroscience and professor of psychology and psychiatry, received a $634,831 grant as a continuation of his study, “Gating of Information Flow Within the Nucleus Accumbens.”

The project — which focuses on adolescent stress as a risk factor for major mental disorders, particularly the differences between male and females — started in 1997. Using rats, Grace and his colleagues found males are more susceptible to prepubertal stress, leading to an adult state resembling schizophrenia; females on the other hand are resilient to prepubertal stress but susceptible to postpubertal stress, leading to adult affective disorders.

Grace’s other ongoing studies into the neurobiology of schizophrenia involve researching the interaction of the prefrontal cortex and antipsychotic drugs with subcortical dopamine systems and examining the impact of developmental disruption on limbic system function as a model for the pathophysiological changes underlying schizophrenia in humans.

Amir Alavi receives National Institutes of Health Trailblazer R21 Award

Amir Alavi received a $557,000, three-year Trailblazer R21 Award from the National Institutes of Health, allowing him to oversee a project to investigate in humans the metamaterial orthopaedic implants that his research previously developed.

Alavi, an assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering in the Swanson School of Engineering, is perhaps better known for his work with bridges and infrastructure — he also was among 23 University of Pittsburgh scientists included in the 2023 Highly Cited Researchers list from Clarivate.

“Trailblazer is one of the most prestigious awards in support of early-career faculty administered” by the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, said Radisav Vidic, Nickolas A. DeCecco Professor and chair of Pitt’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.

5 faculty selected for 2024 ACC Academic Leaders Network cohort

Five faculty from five schools across the Pitt campus were chosen to participate in the 2024 Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Academic Leaders Network program.

The program, which was launched in 2018, provides an opportunity for faculty at ACC institutions strengthen their leadership skills, build networks, deepen their understanding of higher education administration and broaden their awareness of needs and challenges in higher ed.

Up to five participants are selected from each institution. Deans and campus presidents can nominate department or division chairs, associate deans, associate vice provosts and faculty in similar roles for consideration. Nominations are solicited in late spring.

Here is this year’s cohort:

  • Kevin M. Conley, associate professor and chair of the Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition, and associate dean for undergraduate studies at the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
  • Kyaien O. Conner, professor and Donald M. Henderson Endowed Chair; director of the Center on Race and Social Problems; and associate dean for justice, equity, diversity and inclusion in Pitt’s School of Social Work
  • Erica Owen, associate professor and associate dean of the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs
  • Vanitha Swaminathan, Thomas Marshall Professor of Marketing and associate dean of strategic initiatives at Pitt’s Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business
  • David A. Vorp, John A. Swanson Professor of Bioengineering and senior associate dean for research and facilities in the Swanson School of Engineering, with secondary appointments in the departments of Chemical & Petroleum Engineering and Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science as well as Cardiothoracic Surgery and Surgery in the School of Medicine and Pitt’s Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute

Anastasia Lopez earns Certified Master of Career Services

Anastasia Lopez, a professional development faculty instructor in Pitt’s Department of Economics, is now a Certified Master of Career Services. The National Career Development Association credential recognizes highly experienced career services professionals who hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree combined with five-to-seven years of experience.

In 2022, Lopez joined the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences department, where she also serves as director of career development and recruitment for the Master of Science in Quantitative Economics (MQE) program. In her role, she also teaches ECON 0900 and facilitates professional development workshops and topics to MQE students.

Lopez previously worked as a career consultant at Pitt. Prior to returning to the University, she worked at the Community College of Allegheny County as a director of career services and student engagement.

Carl Lawson named Pitt health sciences’ associate vice chancellor for DEI

PItt's schools of the health sciences appointed Carl Lawson as the new associate vice chancellor for diversity, equity and inclusion, effective Feb. 5. In this capacity, Lawson will be responsible for leading efforts to foster an inclusive environment for students, trainees, staff and faculty of all races, ethnicities, genders and religions across Pitt’s six health sciences schools.

Lawson joins Pitt from Rosalind Franklin University (RFU) of Medicine and Science in North Chicago, where he served as director of diversity, equity and inclusion for Chicago Medical School and director of interprofessional global health for RFU. At the medical school, he designed initiatives to advance faculty and students from groups underrepresented in medicine and worked to increase knowledge of diversity and equity issues in academic medicine.

As a professor, Lawson has taught courses in issues such as global health, health disparities, health care inequities, LGBTQ+ patient care and structural racism in medicine. He also served as RFU’s global health director, a role in which he forged relationships with medical schools, hospitals and other organizations based outside the U.S.

A proud veteran, Lawson served as a commissioned officer with the U.S. Public Health Service while at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Center for Global Health. In this role, he managed international infectious disease program operations for CDC satellite offices in multiple countries, worked as the administrator for a global quarantine reporting system, and contributed to public health emergency response efforts. He also volunteered with the U.S. Peace Corps in Gambia.

Lawson earned his Master of Public Health from the Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, a Master of Arts from the University of Kent Brussels School of International Studies, and his PhD in peace and conflict studies from the United Nations’ University for Peace. He also recently completed the Association of American Medical Colleges’ Healthcare Executive Diversity and Inclusion Certificate, an intensive academic program aimed at training leaders to drive diversity as a core component of excellence in health care.

Shyam Visweswaran inducted as American College of Medical Informatics fellow

Shyam Visweswaran, professor of biomedical informatics and vice chair of clinical informatics in the School of Medicine, was named a fellow of the American College of Medical Informatics (ACMI).

The director of Pitt’s Center for Clinical Artificial Intelligence is among 23 new fellows, who are elected by the college’s 473-member body.

“The FACMI designation is one of distinction and pride,” said ACMI President Kevin B. Johnson. “They represent excellence from academia, government and industry and are the best and brightest stars in our field demonstrating thought leadership, stellar experience and established scholarship. Together their important contributions to biomedicine and healthcare inform, educate and inspire the informatics community to improve human health.”

Visweswaran is a recognized leader in artificial intelligence research, according to ACMI, and was recognized for his work establishing a research data warehouse in Pittsburgh and serving as principal investigator for All of Us Pennsylvania and the ENACT network.

Tawanda Stamps was on City & State PA’s Impact 75 list

Tawanda Stamps, Pitt's director of contract administration and procurement, is included in City & State PA’s Impact 75 list. Each year, the magazine highlights citizens who have made steps toward a more equitable, sustainable and prosperous Pennsylvania.

Stamps (CGS ’12, GSPIA ’16G) has 20-plus years of service in contract administration and procurement of construction and related services, joining Pitt in 2000 as a contract administrator in the Office of Facilities Management. Additionally, she leads the University’s Mentor-Protégé Program, which encourages larger construction firms to develop mentor relationships with minority businesses in the Pittsburgh region. To participate in the program, both mentor and protégé teams are required to commit to a robust construction management training program that includes training sessions, networking and on-the-job development opportunities.

“Tawanda’s impact on the university and community are deserving of this honor and recognition,” said Vice Chancellor for Facilities Management Scott Bernotas. “In her role as director of contract administration and procurement, she has consistently incorporated an unwavering commitment to the ideals of diversity and inclusion into the University’s construction program. Those efforts have translated into tremendous and tangible gains for the disadvantaged contractors in Pitt’s neighboring community with two consecutive years of record-setting local minority and women spend.”

Thomas Songer receives 2023 Abraham Lilienfeld Award

Thomas J. Songer, assistant professor in the School of Public Health, was awarded the Abraham Lilienfeld Award, the most prestigious award presented by the American College of Epidemiology.

Each year the award honors a senior leader who has made extraordinary contributions to the field of epidemiology through both teaching or mentoring and research or scholarship. Songer (SPH ’86G, ’90G) was invited to address fellows and members of ACE during its annual meeting and will be recognized as lifetime Honorary Fellow of the College.

Songer’s current work focuses on interventions in childhood diabetes treatment and diabetes prevention. Past research interests include motor vehicle crashes and injuries, the costs associated with child maltreatment and the influence of economic factors in the lives of people with diabetes. He has also served on review panels for the CDC and NIH and is a steering committee member for the Injury Community Planning Group for the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

Gurudev Dutt’s physics research receives funding from four major foundations

Gurudev Dutt, associate professor in the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, is among 11 physics researchers whose innovative projects were selected for funding by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, the Simons Foundation, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation and the John Templeton Foundation.

Dutt and his colleagues will magnetically levitate diamond crystals to create and measure macroscopic quantum superpositions and explore the interface between quantum physics and gravity. Selected from hundreds of proposals, other projects include hunting for dark matter and building ultraprecise atomic clocks. The ambitious “tabletop” experiments all aim at expanding the frontiers of fundamental physics while still fitting into a typical room-sized university physics research lab.

Each of the projects will receive funding for up to five years, with the four foundations together pledging more than $30 million for all the undertakings.