Mark Cantrell

Dr. Cantrell deeply believes everyone deserves the opportunity to be healthy and works collaboratively with individuals, communities, organizations, and governments to address the most pressing global health challenges. He has diverse public health experience applying his expertise in global health security, health systems strengthening, health workforce development, community health, partnership development, and universal health for vulnerable populations in various roles within the U.S. government, the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), the United Nations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and academic institutions.

Recently, Dr. Cantrell served in Egypt as a U.S. Diplomat with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), supporting global efforts to confront the greatest challenges of our time, including reversing the loss of global life expectancy, strengthening primary care and global health security, and tackling the climate crisis. Before joining USAID, he was the Director of Public Health at Duquesne, where he led the development and expansion of domestic and international public health programs while teaching various public health and health administration courses for graduate and undergraduate students. Currently, he is developing innovative global immersion offerings with the Isha Foundation, including the "Conscious Planet" experiential study abroad program in India, which integrates ancient yogic sciences to promote personal and planetary well-being. Prior to Duquesne, Dr. Cantrell was a PAHO/WHO Advisor in Nicaragua, where he directed the Family, Health Promotion, and Life Course Unit. In addition, he served within the United Nations (UN) System as the UN COVID-19 Country Coordinator and the UN Health Sector Coordinator for emergency resource mobilization.

As a professor, Dr. Cantrell is steadfastly committed to student learning experiences in the classroom and community, both domestically and abroad. He takes a student-centered, experiential approach and empowers students to lead the direction of their studies and personal growth. Through academic instruction, holistic well-being frameworks, and community engagement, he supports students in becoming inspired, globally prepared professionals ready to address the significant health needs of our world.

Dr. Cantrell holds a Doctorate in Nursing (Administration and Health System Management), a Master’s in Public Health (Behavioral and Community Health), and advanced studies in Latin American Social and Public Policy, and International Health. He is fluent in Spanish and has worked professionally in the U.S., Egypt, Nicaragua, India, Bolivia, Peru, Honduras, and Colombia.

• DNP, Administration and Health System Management, University of Pittsburgh, 2016
• MPH,  Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, 2016
• Graduate Certificate, Latin American Social and Political Policy, University of Pittsburgh, 2016
• BSN, Nursing, Westminster College, 2006

• Health Promotion/Disease Prevention

• Global Health

• Health Systems Strengthening

• Health Workforce Development 

• Community Health 

• Partnership Development

• Vulnerable Populations

• Determinants of Health