Zsuzsa Horvath

Zsuzsa Horvath, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Dental Public Health and Director of the Office of Academic Career Advancement at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. She holds a PhD from the University of Pittsburgh (2009), specializing in education and teacher training. Her work focuses on curriculum development, faculty development, mentoring programs, and innovative educational initiatives.

Dr. Horvath pioneered the Academic Career Track Area of Concentration (ACT ARCO) program, a two-year certificate program for pre-doctoral dental students aiming to become educators. This program, launched in 2016, has gained national and international recognition, including the William J. Gies Award for Outstanding Vision. She also co-founded a student peer-tutoring program and directed the NIH-funded Center of Excellence on Pain Education, creating online pain management modules for healthcare providers.

In leadership roles, she oversees faculty development, mentoring programs, and clinical assessment initiatives. As a certified coach, she offers career and leadership coaching to faculty and students, integrating these into academic programs. Her research spans dental education, faculty development, and interdisciplinary training, with over 15 peer-reviewed publications.

Her awards include the 2021 Chancellor’s Distinguished Teaching Award and the 2020 William J. Gies Award. She has led grants funded by NIH, ADEA, and other organizations, advancing educational innovation and healthcare provider training.