The Weekly Update is available online at www.publichealth.pitt.edu/weeklyupdate.
3/20/15: Student Edition
Student News
NEW! Registration for CPH June Testing Window Is Open
For those eligible students, Pitt Public Health will pay the CPH exam fee. Students graduating this April and August can sit for
the CPH exam during the June testing window (June 1-30). ►Read more
NEW! Updates on Public Access to Federally Funded Research
Lately there has been a flurry of activity as federal agencies have been completing their plans for complying with the White
House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) memorandum from 2013, which directed federal agencies with over
$100 million in R&D expenses to make the results of federally funded research publicly available. As they arrive, these plans
are made available on the HSLS Scholarly Communications LibGuide. Click on the Public Access Policies tab and in a
box on the right, you’ll see links to “Public Access Policies – Other Federal Agencies.” AHRQ, DoD, DoE, NASA and NSF
have been added so far.
International Development Case Competition
March 23 deadline to enter, April 4 event
Expand your network by getting to know colleagues with similar ambitions while applying what you’ve learned in the
classroom to real-world issues. Students are divided into teams of 4-5 to bring policy/strategy recommendations to one of two
cases offered. Those with the best presentations will be awarded a prize. Competition sponsored by Pitt’s International
Development Studies Association and the CMU International Development Group and is open to all Pittsburgh Council on
Higher Education institutions’ graduate students. ►Read more
ASPPH Friday Letter
News and information from all the CEPH-accredited schools and programs of public health. Scholarships, fellowships, job
postings, advocacy updates, and much more. ►Read more
Events
Upcoming CIDDE TA Workshops
All workshops in 815 Alumni Hall, unless otherwise noted.

Dealing with Difficult Situations in the Classroom (Part 2): Distressed Students, March 23, 1-2 p.m.

Syllabus Construction, March 23, 2-3 p.m.

Developing a Teaching Philosophy Statement (Part 2), March 26, 10 a.m.-noon

Developing a Teaching Portfolio (Part 1), March 27, 1-2 p.m.

Teaching a Six-Week Course, March 30, 1-2 p.m., G74 Hillman

Developing a Teaching Portfolio (Part 2), March 30, 2-4 p.m., G74 Hillman

Teaching with PowerPoint, March 31, 11 a.m.-noon
NEW! Infectious Disease Seminar Series: “Adenosine Regulatory Pathway and HIV”
Monday, March 23, 12:00 p.m., A115 Crabtree Hall
The Department of Infectious Diseases & Microbiology will host Bernard (Beej) Macatangay, MD, Division of Infectious
Diseases / HIV/AIDS Program, for an interactive seminar.
Alumni Reception during ASPPH Annual Meeting
Monday, March 23, 6-8 p.m., Sonoma Restaurant and Wine Bar, Avenue Lounge, 223 Pennsylvania Ave., SE
If you’ll be in D.C. for the meeting, join us for a special reception as alumni connect with faculty, students, administration,
and colleagues while getting the scoop on recent school advancements and exciting opportunities for engagement. Wine and
light hors d’oeuvres will be served. If you know of Pitt Public Health alumni who are in the D.C. area, bring them along.
Registration for the ASPPH meeting is not required to attend the reception. Contact Jill Ruempler with questions or register
today!
UPDATED! Society for Applied Anthropology Annual Meeting
March 24-28, Pittsburgh
Featuring sessions, activities, and events devoted to topics that are of interest to the people of the Pittsburgh metropolitan
region, endeavoring to encourage active public participation. “Pittsburgh Day” is on Tuesday! Admission is free to the public
and sessions will focus on the western PA population, including numerous presentations on the health and experiences of
African Americans and Latinos in the region. ►Read more
Webinar: Tools for Building Bridges Toward Better Health
Wednesday, March 25, 2-3 p.m.
Newly developed tools are generating innovative solutions in communities across the country by guiding planners, architects
and public officials as they assess, forecast and create healthy places. In this webinar, a panel of professional and academic
leaders will discuss emerging tools for building bridges toward better health through the built environment, including: The
Georgia Institute of Technology's Atlanta Neighborhood Quality of Life and Health Dashboard, The Environmental Protection
Agency's EnviroAtlas, and The Urban Land Institute's Building Healthy Places Toolkit. Hosted jointly by the Built Environment
and Public Health Clearinghouse, American Public Health Association, and American Planning Association. Registration
required.
Insights from the Urban Classroom: A Panel of Pitt Students
Tuesday, March 24, noon-1 p.m., B-26 Alumni Hall
Join Dr. Rich Milner of the University of Pittsburgh as he facilitates a discussion with several Pitt students about their
experiences, observations, and suggestions for teaching incoming Pitt students who come from an urban high school.
Attendees will have the chance to ask their own questions and engage the panelists about the latest research from urban
education and social equity.
Human Genetics Doctoral Defense: A New Workflow of Fetal DNA Prediction from Cell-Free DNA in Maternal Plasma
Wednesday, March 25, 1:30 p.m., 109 Parran
Presented by Yerkebulan Talzhanov.
BCHS Doctoral Defense: Exploring Lesbian Health Disparities: Social and Structural Predictors of Adioposity and
Metabolic Syndrome
Thursday, March 26, 2-4 p.m., A731 Crabtree
Presented by Suzanne Kinsky.
Human Genetics Seminar: Genomics of Patient Outcomes after Neurological Insult
Friday, March 27, noon-1 p.m., Pitt Public Health Laboratory Pavilion Auditorium (G23)
Presented by Yvette Conley, PhD, Professor of Health Promotion & Development and Human Genetics, Pitt.
Fresh Fruit, Broken Bodies: Migrant Health in the United States
Friday, March 27, noon-1 p.m., A115 Crabtree
Lecture by Dr. Seth M. Holmes, Martin Sisters Endowed Chair and assistant professor, UC Berkeley School of Public Health
and graduate program in medical anthropology.
Volunteer with the Greater Pittsburgh Area Food Bank
Saturday, March 28 or Sunday, March 29
Consider volunteering with Pitt’s Be A Good Neighbor Day on March 28 (more information coming soon) or the Food Bank’s
Empty Bowls event on March 29. ►Read more
Why Gender Matters to Sustainability: Engaging the Public in a Meaningful Conversation
Monday, March 30, 6-7:30 p.m., 324 Cathedral of Learning
Presented by Maria L. Cruzs-Torres, Arizona State University. Addressing the challenges of assessing the interrelationship
between gender and sustainability. Sponsored by Pitt’s Gender, Sexuality, & Women’s Studies Program. ►Read more
Randall Family Big Idea Competition – Come and See Who Wins!
Thursday, April 2, 4-6 p.m., O’Hara Student Center Ballroom
Awarding $100,000 in prizes to Pitt students with the biggest ideas. Since its inception seven years ago, the competition has
attracted hundreds of interdisciplinary teams, from freshmen to postdocs, who are seeking to bring their big ideas to the
market. Free and open to the public, but registration is required.
Dean's Day Student Research Competition Poster Sessions
March 31-April 2
Learn about student research as presenters compete for prizes and students complete peer evaluations for GR credit. See
who is presenting in which session and the title of their abstract on My Public Health.
Epidemiology Seminar: Lower Extremity Atherosclerosis and Pre-clinical Peripheral Artery Disease
Thursday, April 2, noon-1 p.m., A115 Crabtree
Presented by Christina L. Wassel, PhD, MS, FAHA Assistant Professor of epidemiology, Pitt Public Health.
Human Genetics Seminar: Understanding Minority Disengagement in Genetic Studies: Implications for Health
Disparities and Research
Friday, April 3, noon-1 p.m., Pitt Public Health Laboratory Pavilion Auditorium (G23)
Presented by Krystal Tsosie, MA, PhD Student, Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Department of Epidemiology, Vanderbilt
University.
Destination Diversity with Dr. Susan Rankin - Register now!
Thursday, April 2, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
As this event was cancelled due to inclement weather, CIDDE is pleased to have rescheduled the seminar Out of the
Shadows: Building Inclusive Classrooms for Queer Spectrum and Trans Spectrum Students. Those individuals registered for
the canceled event, and new interested participants, are encouraged to register here.
Fracking is a Feminist Issue: Women Confronting Fossil Fuels and Petrochemicals in an Age of Climate Emergency
Monday, April 6, 7-8 p.m., William Pitt Union Assembly Room
Presented by Sandra Steingraber, who will explore the role of women in the construction of knowledge about the risks of
extreme fossil fuel extraction, gender disparities in the distribution of economic costs and benefits, the disproportionate
burden of harm that women experience when their communities become targeted for oil and gas extraction, and the rise of
women leaders in the anti-fracking movement. Sponsored by Pitt’s Gender, Sexuality, & Women’s Studies Program. ►Read
more
NEW! PHDL Seminar Series: The Conditions of Self-Governance of the Commons
Tuesday, April 7, 3-4 p.m., 109 Parran
When people share common resources or public goods there is a social dilemma. This presentation will synthesize recent
research on the conditions of self-governance that lead to successful outcomes. The lecture will close with some
speculations for public health policy. Presented by Marco Janssen, PhD, associate professor, School of Human Evolution
and Social Change, Arizona State University.
Research Team Experience as a Platform for Leadership Development
Wednesday, April 8, 2015, 9:30-11:30 a.m. with lunch immediately following, University Club Ballroom A
Presented by William Sollecito, DrPH (BIOST ’70). Registration required.
Repackaging and Distribution with Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank
Thursday, April 9, shuttle leaves at 3:30 p.m., food bank at 1 N. Linden Street, 15110
Join University faculty, students, and staff for this monthly repackaging event. The University will provide a shuttle leaving
from Bigelow Boulevard by Soldiers and Sailors. Parking is also available at the Food Bank if you choose to drive yourself.
Closed-toed shoes are required. To volunteer, contact Kyle Miller, 412-624-6015 and note if you’ll be riding the shuttle.
Epidemiology Seminar: Preterm Birth and Maternal Cardiovascular Disease: What Have We Learned?
Thursday, April 9, noon-1 p.m., A115 Crabtree
Presented by Janet M. Catov, PhD, associate professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences, Pitt.
University of Pittsburgh Women in Medicine and Science Forum
April 23-24, 11th floor conference center, Scaife 11th floor conference center
Featuring Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Public Health, Social Work, Arts and Sciences, Dental Medicine, Engineering, and
Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. The schedule is now available! Register by April 16! ►Read more
Student Organizations
Pitt Public Health Carnival Day with Student Government Association
Wednesday, March 25, noon-3 p.m., Pitt Public Health Community Commons
Come one, come all! Enjoy your favorite public health-themed carnival foods, games, and lots of fun. All attendees must
RSVP. Free for members of Pitt Public Health, $5 at the door for non-public health guests.
Association of Women in Public Health Fit and Fearless Event: Zumba
Friday, March 27, 6-7 p.m., William Pitt Union Dance Studio
RSVP to [email protected] by March 16!
GPSG Spring Formal: Seven Deadly Sins
Friday, March 27, 8 p.m.-midnight, Omni William Penn (downtown)
Open bar and appetizers. $30 Get your tickets today!
Professional Panel with the Association of Women in Public Health
Tuesday, April 7, 3:30-5 p.m., A115 Crabtree
Panelists include: Catherine Walsh Vockley, Research Genetic Counselor, Children’s Hospital
Katie Horowitz, MPH, CPH, VP for Education, Planned Parenthood of Western Pennsylvania
Annie Nagy, MPH, Pittsburgh Health Corps Director, Allegheny County Health Department and AmeriCorps
Kristen Mertz, MD, MPH Epidemiologist, Allegheny County Health Department and Assistant Professor Department of
Epidemiology
Susan Ott, Attorney, Rhoades & Owen, LLC
Career Services
Doctoral and Postdoctoral Professionalism Series: Postdoctoral Training: How to Choose Wisely
Thursday, March 26, 3-5 p.m., S100 Starzl Biomedical Science Tower
Presented by Steven Wendell, PhD, PC. Register today!
Registration Open - Dollars & Sense: The Value of Asking for What You Want
Tuesday, April 7, 6:30 pm, 2017 Cathedral
A workshop on salary negotiation presented by Ayana Ledford, Founding Executive Director of PROGRESS (Program for
Research & Outreach on Gender Equity in Society), H. John Heinz III College, School of Public Policy and Management,
Carnegie Mellon University. Light refreshments will be served. Space is limited. Don’t miss this “golden” opportunity to hear
from an expert at no cost to you! Register today!
Summer Job & Internship Fair
Thursday, April 9, 1-4 p.m., William Pitt Union
Meet employers hiring for full-time, part-time, seasonal, and internship positions! Hosted by the University of Pittsburgh’s
Office of Career Development & Placement Assistance.
Internships, Fellowships, and Postdocs
NEW! Area Agency on Aging Intern, Allegheny County Department of Human Services, Pittsburgh, PA
Assist the AAA in answering the following question: What is the variation in outcome/how do participants fare compared to
similar populations who receive certain care managed services? ►Read more
NEW! Outcomes Measurement & Quality Improvement Project Intern, Allegheny County Department of Human
Services
The Area Agency on Aging is in the process of developing performance measures for the services it provides directly through
an ongoing project called as the Outcomes Measurement & Quality Improvement Project under the direction of its Director of
Quality. ►Read more
Postdoc in Mathematical/Statistical Modelling of Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institut, Paris
March 25 deadline
The research focus of the unit is to develop state-of-the-art mathematical and statistical methods to tackle the many
challenges epidemiologists and microbiologists face when analyzing infectious disease data. ►Read more
Courses and Scheduling
Instructor Added to EPIDEM 2183 RDNG ANALZNG INTRPTG PH MEDL LIT
Anthony Fabio will also be listed as an instructor.
Pre-reqs for EPIDEM 2220 Apld Spatial/Community Epidem
BCHS 3015 and EPIDEM 2110 and (BIOST 2011 or BIOST 2041)
Summer 2015 Course Schedule
Graduation Information
UPDATED! Deadlines and Important Dates for April 2015 Graduation
March 31 is final deadline to apply for April graduation
The absolute last deadline to apply for April graduation is Tuesday, March 31. You will not be able to apply after this. The
current late fee is $35. If you’re graduating in 2015 or 2016, check out the graduation section of My Public Health for
deadlines and important dates.
April 25 is the official date for the award of your degree. Transcripts are available for pickup from the Registrar’s Office (G3
Thackeray) with your ID on May 26. The Registrar will begin mailing diplomas and complimentary transcripts June 12-15.
Graduation Central
Tuesday, April 7 and Wednesday, April 8, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Connolly Ballroom, Alumni Hall
Purchase your academic regalia for the University of Pittsburgh Commencement and Pitt Public Health Convocation
ceremonies. Graduates must wear academic regalia to both ceremonies and those attending Commencement must attend
Graduation Central for instructions. ►Read more
Tasks Related to your Essay, Thesis, or Dissertation for April 2015 Graduation
Document review deadline of April 13
Prior to Monday, April 13 the document must be reviewed for format. E-mail Joanne Pegher for an appointment. During the
week of April 20 the final copy must be uploaded, along with all required paperwork to Joanne Pegher.
Event Information for Convocation 2015 and Other Events
Pitt Public Health Celebration of Student Awards: Saturday, April 25, 5:30 p.m., O’Hara Student Center
University of Pittsburgh Commencement: Sunday, April 26, 1 p.m., Petersen Events Center
Pitt Public Health Convocation: Sunday, April 26, doors open/line-up begins at 4 p.m., Carnegie Music Hall, Oakland
All June, August, December 2014 and April 2015 graduates are invited to three events during the weekend of April 25-26
(master’s students who plan to graduate in June of 2015 that want to appeal for permission to march in our convocation
ceremony should have their advisor submit a request to Mary Derkach). Graduates are invited to the Celebration of Student
Awards regardless of whether they are selected for an award. Awardees will be notified by the school. For Pitt Public Health
Convocation, no tickets are necessary and there is no limit on the number of guests that a student can invite. The Universitywide commencement ceremony is also held that Sunday. Students must wear academic regalia to both graduation
ceremonies, which you will be able to purchase through Graduation Central on April 7 and 8. Formal invitations will be emailed and sent via U.S. mail next week, and detailed instructions will be sent to graduates via e-mail. Stay tuned to the
Weekly Update and e-mails from the Office of Student Affairs for further information.
Pitt E-mail Accounts After Graduation
Graduating students: update your e-mail address and have your e-mail forwarded from Pitt for up to one year. Your account
will remain active until the end of the Add/Drop period for fall term, September 5. Contact the 412-624-HELP with questions.
A student account will stay active if you are a student worker. If you work for Pitt and are on the University payroll, your
account will remain active. If the account is going to be disabled, the account owner will receive an e-mail stating the date the
account will be disabled, usually two weeks in advance.
If you’re no longer able to access your account to set up mail forwarding, contact 412-624-HELP, or if they aren’t able to
assist, ask your department student services coordinator to assist you.
ETD Support Has Moved!
Now located in the Hillman Microforms area by the map cases.
Include Bookmarks in your ETD
Those submitting electronic theses and dissertations must include bookmarks. For more information on bookmarks and other
format requirements, ►Read more
Posting Defense Dates
All doctoral students must notify the University Times, the Pitt Chronicle, and various Pitt Public Health staff members of the
date of their dissertation defense. ►Read more
Information on Uploading Your ETD, Submitting the ETD thru D-Scholarship
When using the ETD Online System, you must login using your Pitt username and password. Once you have logged in,
follow the instructions for submitting your ETD documents.
The next ETD workshops are taking place on February 24 at 10 a.m. and February 25 at 2 p.m. More spring dates are
forthcoming. Click here to register.
For walk-in times/days or to make an appointment, see the ETD technical support form.
ETD Support Supporting LaTeX Format and Template
Students can use the ETD Support Form to request assistance with LaTeX. Support staff are working with students to identify
issues with the LaTeX template and will draft patches as needed to address issues or add functionality.
Pitt Public Health Weekly Update is distributed by the Office of Student Affairs.
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