Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences

Former Pennsylvania governors Ed Rendell and Tom Ridge. Rendell's head is toward Ridge, and Ridge is smiling
Former Pennsylvania governors Tom Ridge and Ed Rendell have differed ideologically over the years, but also are like-minded on other matters, including the value of civility and compromise in politics today. The two spoke at the University of Pittsburgh’s 2019 American Experience Distinguished Lecture Series, where another former Pennsylvania governor, Dick Thornburgh, was presented with the Elsie Hilliard Hillman Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Public Service.
Book cover for "The Skin I'm In," by Sharon Flake.
The award-winning young adult novel “The Skin I'm In,” by Department of English alumna Sharon Flake (A&S ’78), has sold more than 1 million copies worldwide. The author's debut novel, it tells the story of a 13-year-old girl who learns to overcome being bullied for her dark skin.
Costas Karakatsanis headshot, wearing blue button down shirt with books/manuscripts and a painting in the background
The sleuthing skills of Pitt alumnus Costas Karakatsanis (A&S ’74, ’78G), who worked in materials science at Bayer for three decades before retiring and taking up volunteering at Pittsburgh's Carnegie Museum of Art, made him a critical investigator in the mission to restore a masterpiece.
Screen of breathalyzer device reading THC Detected!
As states consider ways to introduce medical and/or recreational marijuana into their markets, they are also considering ways to detect intoxication and establish guidelines for safe use. A new device from an interdisciplinary team at Pitt could be a critical tool.
Jenna Baron standing on a walkway on a bridge in the city of Pittsburgh. Wearing denim jacket and red shirt. The bridge is painted yellow.
For the children of refugees and immigrants settling throughout the United States, the new way of life can feel very foreign. Pitt alumna Jenna Baron — through her nonprofit Alliance for Refugee Youth Support and Education — is finding ways to make them feel that they are truly where they belong.
The 2019–20 academic year marks the inauguration of new majors, innovative online offerings and collaborations among different schools across the University of Pittsburgh. Highlights include programs in engineering, arts and sciences, computing and many others.
headshots of Molly Brandenburg and Joseph Valdacanas
According to the U.S. Department of Education, about a third of undergraduate students change their major at least once by their third year of enrollment. So, what’s the catalyst for these major changes? At Pitt, many students find themselves developing a newfound passion by surprise — while taking one of their general education requirements.
Crissy Shannon in blue and gold PItt marching band drum major uniform sitting on cement bench with baton across her lap.
Pitt senior Crissy Shannon, the first woman to hold the title of head drum major in Pitt marching band history, will take to Heinz Field Aug. 31 during the Panthers' first home football game. Read a Q&A between Shannon and Chancellor Patrick Gallagher in Pitt Magazine's newest edition.
Pitt alumnus Jeremy M. Raymer in a PIttsburgh Pirates shirt standing in front of a mural he painted of Pirates baseball player Roberto Clemente
A mural of the late baseball legend Roberto Clemente greets drivers on Interstate 279 thanks to Jeremy M. Raymer, a Pitt engineering alumnus whose studio art courses at the University led to a new career as an artist. Clemente died in a 1972 plane crash while assisting with the delivery of emergency supplies following an earthquake in NIcaragua. He would have been 85 this Sunday, Aug. 18.
a head shot of the researcher
As a scientist at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Mining Program, Lauren Chubb (A&S ’10, GSPH ’13, ’16) has developed on-the-spot air analysis software to help keep miners safe.