University of Pittsburgh logo

Research

How social science can lead the way toward better disaster preparation and recovery

About two-thirds of Puerto Rico’s population had already lost power during Hurricane Irma when Hurricane Maria landed in September of 2017, shutting down power across the rest of the island.

Seeing the devastation caused by the storm and the conditions resulting from loss of electricity, Fernando Tormos-Aponte, an assistant professor of sociology in the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, knew he had to act.

A Pitt-led team plans to automate quantum computing research with a Department of Energy grant

A new University of Pittsburgh-led research project aims to automate the scientific process, using a team of AI agents to harness a promising new type of quantum computing that could enable discoveries in chemistry and materials science. Led by School of Computing and Information Professor Youtao Zhang, the project is supported by the U.S.

With decades of Pitt researchers’ input, the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope preps for launch

Students took in the magic on this Scottish study abroad trip

During the 16th and 17th centuries, an estimated 4,000 people, a majority of those being women, were accused of committing witchcraft in Scotland—an accusation punishable by death. Hannah Johnson and Elise Ryan, both professors in the Department of English at the Dietrich School, explored this darker history through “Magic & Witchcraft in Scotland,” a four-week summer study-abroad intensive in Edinburgh.

Environmental science professor dives into swimming, fishing potential of city's rivers

Among elements most associated with Pittsburgh — Steelers, Pirates, Penguins, a bevy of unique bridges, several universities, French fries on sandwiches — the scenically striking confluence of the Monongahela and Allegheny rivers to form the mighty Ohio might be the city’s key physical trademark.

As crucial as the three rivers are to the evolution and continued vitality to the city, however, when it comes their viability as far as fishing and human immersion, aka “swimmability,” well, it’s complicated.