Today, patients can take diagnostic tests to determine their risk factors for diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. These tests are derived from studies of the human genome. Dietrich Stephan has been instrumental in both inventing and implementing the infrastructure necessary to make these tests available. His research has also resulted in the development of treatments for autism, ALS and other medical conditions. Stephan (S’91) will continue his genetic research as the new chair of the Department of Human Genetics at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, a program that is consistently ranked among the best in the United States.
—Paul Carboni (DC’13)
