Products of Pittsburgh

Laurel began her career as a nurse at a long-term care facility before eventually transitioning into the field of neurology, caring for head injury and stroke patients. Her experience with research eventually led to her current role as executive director of operations at Pitt CTSI. Despite her best efforts to rebel, Laurel ended up following a path similar to that of one very special person.

Sarah’s interest in clinical chemistry and diagnostic testing brought her back to Pittsburgh, where today she is both a translational researcher at the University of Pittsburgh and the medical director for multiple UPMC testing laboratories. Her expertise in diagnostics, though, may be rivaled by her talent as a competitive dancer.

Robert is designing, implementing, and evaluating interventions aimed at reducing violence and substance use inequities for sexual and gender minority youth. But before becoming a professor and researching the dynamics of LGBTQ+ health inequities, Robert was surrounded by theoretical numbers and too many oboes.

Tamar is a behavioral scientist and decision making expert applying her unique skill set and experience to better engage patients in their clinical care. She initially set out to study both classical music and biology. However, a life changing experience set her on a journey around the world and eventually back to Pittsburgh where today she is helping people make informed decisions regarding their health and wellness.

Dan Buysse has spent nearly forty years studying circadian rhythms and has become one of the most impactful thought leaders in sleep medicine. He has made significant contributions in advancing circadian science, translating research into practice, and training the next generation. Yet, before becoming a doctor and building a career at the University of Pittsburgh, Dan was a kid like any other. Going to college, let alone being a doctor, was aspirational.

Ravi is a teacher, a researcher, and an innovator who is full of questions: how do different people interact with health care? What can we learn from their experiences? How can that be used to inform and design better health care? Ravi is constantly tackling these questions with an insatiable interest in learning more and answering his favorite question, what if? Like many others, though, he has had to adapt his approach to changing conditions.

In 2001, Nehal moved to Pittsburgh and had been working as a consultant when she decided to go back to school for a second master’s degree. A decision that set her on a trajectory to becoming a prolific figure in the Pittsburgh innovation ecosystem. Today, she is at the interaction of academia and industry – fostering relationships and coordinating the development of innovative medical technologies.

In 2016, Carla arrived at the University of Pittsburgh as a postdoctoral scholar. As the daughter of academic parents, it’s no surprise that Carla decided to pursue a similar path. Today, as an assistant professor, Carla is conducting research, teaching, and developing programs focused on mental health and suicide prevention. She wasn’t initially interested in science or mental health though. Carla first wanted to pursue a career in music. And not just any music, opera.

In 2001, Bryan Brown came to Pittsburgh to study mechanical engineering at the University of Pittsburgh where he would go on to obtain his PhD in bioengineering and become a faculty member at the university. From winning multiple awards to co-founding a company, Bryan is well on his way to making an impact on health care innovation.

Ellen Beckjord returned to Pittsburgh in 2007 after years of training as a clinical psychologist and behavioral scientist. It didn’t take long before Beckjord established herself as an innovator at the intersection of digital and population health. From mobile applications to #pinksocks, Beckjord is using her expertise and compassion to support the health of millions of people.

Clifton Callaway came to Pittsburgh in 1993 to begin his medical residency and would go on to become a prominent researcher, physician, and leader in emergency care. However, before becoming a doctor, Callaway was a student majoring in psychology and working on an ambulance, an experience that led him to neuroscience and becoming an expert in brain injury.

Michael Madison is training lawyers to succeed in the 21st century as leaders and collaborators in the legal profession, in their communities, and in the innovation economy. He’s always been on the cutting edge, whether it be the internet in the 1990s or artificial intelligence of today. His upbringing in the Silicon Valley may have something to do with it. However, in the 1960s and 70s when people were jumping into advancing computer and tech industry, Madison decided on a different trajectory.

Rory Cooper and his team at the Human Engineering Research Laboratories have developed over 100 inventions related to wheelchairs, robotics, and wearable instruments designed to improve the lives of people with disabilities and military veterans. Cooper grew up being around mechanics and machines; however, before becoming an engineer and prolific innovator, Rory became an Eagle Scout and at age 17 decided to serve his country by joining the Army.

Moving around a bit in their early life has connected Lina Dostilio to the concept of space and place, particularly as it relates to community engagement and Dostilio’s work within that framework. A self-described hard worker, Dostilio thinks deeply about how to build relationships between and among folks in the community and those engaged in an academic university. A lover of “bizarre British television,” cooking, and her family, Lina balances long workdays with finding joy off the clock.

A lifelong love of books about science and history, coupled with a family of generations of strong black women, has led Erricka Hager to a space of community and health advocacy. Hager’s goal of representation in the field of science will not only blaze a trail for others, but could also land Hager in a dream spot of having a building dedicated in their name.

Being a doctor isn’t easy. Sure there are the long hours, but there can also be difficult situations as well as tough conversations with patients and their families. As a critical care medicine doctor, Cameron Dezfulian has had his fair share of challenges, but getting to help people every day? That’s why he does it.

Bill Strickland has spent over half a century teaching kids and training adults. It started on the North Side of Pittsburgh, the neighborhood where he grew up and would name the organization he built: Manchester. In 1968, Bill was a student at the University of Pittsburgh when he founded the Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild as an arts program for inner city youth. A few years later, he was building a career training center that, along with the arts program, became a model embraced by cities all over the country. Today, he has the Key to the City – Pittsburgh’s highest civilian award – and travels the world building new partnerships and centers.

In 1992, Richard Garland graduated from the University of Pittsburgh, a year after being released from the Western Penitentiary. Since then, Garland has become a leader for Pittsburgh’s anti-violence initiative. He is leveraging his unique lived experience to find spaces of light in the lives of gang members and transferring skills gained on the streets to positive and safe alternatives in society.

As a young girl, Maliha Zahid knew what she wanted to do – become a doctor. Yet, after becoming a doctor Maliha decided she also wanted to become a scientist and began translating discoveries from the lab to the clinic. And between conducting research and practicing medicine, Maliha finds time for another talent… dancing.

From a research scientist to CFO, COO, and CEO, Phil Brooks has experience in all facets of business. Today, Phil uses his technical knowledge and range of experience to help faculty and students navigate the commercialization pathway of innovation.

Reverend Paul Abernathy has learned that when serving others, love and opportunity are quite the weapons for positive and impactful changes. In and around Pittsburgh’s Hill District, Father Paul works to break down silos that perpetuate trauma and pain – connecting neighbors and creating a community of love and a culture of good health.

As a teenager, Kerri Jackson left home in McKeesport, Pennsylvania to attend the University of Pittsburgh and essentially stayed ever since. From library systems to research, Kerri has made a career out of helping others learn.

Bee Schindler is a Pittsburgh native who spent a decade split between California and New York studying journalism and social work before returning to the Steel City in 2009. Today, Bee is leading efforts to bring together local communities and researchers to promote good health for all.

In 2013, Mara Leff moved from Washington, D.C., back to her hometown of Pittsburgh to study global health at the University of Pittsburgh. Her research took her across the world, although after graduating, Mara would find herself leading programs to help solve global health problems right in her own backyard.

Patrick Gallagher never planned on leading a university, let alone becoming a physicist. As a child, Gallagher envisioned becoming a roller-coaster, yet as a teenager, he would find himself in Latin America managing well- and latrine-digging programs. His interest in science and engineering has always been coupled with an objective focused on public service.

Charles Jonassaint keeps a folder of rejection letters as a reminder and hope that ideas lead to something. He was an Academic All American and All Conference in football. Yet, instead of chasing his athletic dreams, Jonassaint decided to pursue a career in clinical psychology and behavioral medicine. A pursuit that hit road blocks, took a few detours, and ultimately led him to the University of Pittsburgh.

Jennifer Woodward moved from the Carolinas to Pittsburgh in 1998 as an expert in transplant immunology. However, over the years that followed, Jennifer would go from a scientist to an administrator, from the bench to the board room.

As a photojournalist exploring the streets of New York, Steve Reis quickly learned the importance of different perspectives. A view that led him to become a volunteer firefighter and eventually attend medical school. Today, Reis is a practicing cardiologist, researcher, and leader in translational science, creating and developing innovative strategies to address important problems in health science.

As a kid growing up in the 1980s, Don Taylor was introduced to some of the very first personal computers and soon thereafter, started creating software systems and solving challenges in health sciences. From multiple academic degrees to a range of start-up companies, hear about Don’s experience and approach behind his unique career.

Mylynda Massart’s career in medicine did not take a traditional route. Her education took her all over the country, and world, finally landing her in Pittsburgh. Throughout her travels and research, she never lost an interest in molecular genetics, in fact, it only grew. Mylynda recognized the importance of incorporating genetics into family medicine to provide the best care possible, especially to those in underrepresented populations.

Connecting the private and non-profit sector is no easy task. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Kenya Boswell decided to attend the University of Pittsburgh in 1995 with dreams of becoming an orthopedic surgeon. However, one volunteer position at a local non-profit led her towards a new career, solving problems within our community.

As a native Pittsburgher, Oz has experienced first-hand the emergence of Pittsburgh as a leader in health technology and has worked side by side with some of the world’s most brilliant minds. For Oz, success is seeing others succeed.

An undergrad genetics lab left a lasting impact on Evan Facher and helped to shape his future career. After obtaining a PhD in Human Genetics from the University of Pittsburgh and an MBA from Case Western Reserve, Evan led business development for multiple biotechnology companies before returning to Pitt in 2014. Yet, his impact doesn’t end in the life sciences or business. In addition to raising a family, Evan’s unique qualification leads him to have an impact through... taste buds.

In 2015, Alex Miragaia moved to Pittsburgh to become a neuroepidemiologist and tackle big problems facing health and child development. Follow her journey through multiple states and countries on her pursuit to getting a degree in math, starting a company, and becoming a doctor.

Pat Karausky grew up in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, married someone from the North Hills, raised her kids in the North Hills, and today, lives in the North Hills. Despite being quite local, Pat has worked with people from all over the world while serving in various capacities as a nurse and research facilitator.

Buddy Clark grew up working on a farm in rural Virginia. However, unlike his five siblings, he preferred fixing equipment and building fences, an interest that led to a PhD in mechanical engineering. In 1992, Buddy began his career at the University of Pittsburgh where he has been making an impact ever since.

An organic chemist from coal country, Jessica Sinclair came to Pittsburgh in 2004 to work for a University of Pittsburgh spinout-company where she learned the ins and outs of various facets of both research and business development. Today, she is using this experience to guide and elevate entrepreneurs throughout Pittsburgh.

Abby Trainer grew up south of Pittsburgh along the Monongahela River. She joined the University of Pittsburgh in 2009 to support a practice-based research network. However, a few years later, Abby went back to school to get an MBA and would go on to assume an expanded communications role for the entire Clinical & Translational Science Institute.

Matt Darnell came to Pittsburgh in 2004 as a collegiate wrestler and received his BS, MS, and PhD at the University of Pittsburgh. He’s a Pitt Panther through and through. Today, Matt is an Assistant Professor at Pitt and considered a leading expert in sports nutrition. Just ask the Steelers – he’s their consultant.

Engineer. Rocket scientist. Business owner. Designer. These are just a few words that describe Eunice Yang, who in 2009, joined the Engineering Technology division at University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown. She’s a constant creator, self-described tinkerer, and a recent Pitt Innovation Challenge award recipient.

In 1986, John Maier left rural Idaho and ventured east to study physics. He then met his wife, attended medical school, and became co-inventor on over 50 U.S. patents. John has no shortage of ideas and today channels his creativity to translate advances in health science into clinical practice.