Spring 2008 Newsletter

Outstanding Alumni: Ben Novak

Ben Novak (BSBEG '04) became convinced that he wanted to attend Pitt after doing an internship in bioengineering as a junior in high school. A highly focused individual, Novak did not apply to other schools so certain was he that his experience at Pitt would be a positive one. Such an individual could work for any number of employers upon graduation, but one would not suspect that Novak would end up working as a program analyst at the US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). That is, unless they knew how Ben's background extended beyond bioengineering.

As a Student at Pitt

As part of the Honor's Program at Pitt, Novak was encouraged to take multidisciplinary courses and undertake a double major. As a freshman, he decided to enroll in a Political Science course and later decided to pursue a Congressional Internship. The Department of Bioengineering was pleased to accommodate Novak's professional interests, despite the unusual direction the bioengineering student's path was taking. Novak does not believe he could have achieved his professional goals to date without that support. "I cannot imagine another school doing so much for its students. It was practically unending," Novak said.

Ben's Work at DHHS

The DHHS employs Ben in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Resources and Technology to help prepare the Bioterrorism (BT) and Emergency Preparedness (EP) budgets for all of the agencies in DHHS that have BT and EP roles, including National Institutes of Health, Food and Drug Administration, and the Centers for Disease Control. Novak spends significant time working with both the agencies in DHHS and the Office of Management and Budget; and, he is currently working on the fiscal year 2009 budget.

Working in the Public Service: Making a difference

When asked what he feels he gives to the community as a result of his work, Novak is reflective for a moment before he states that no program can exist without the funding for it. He also adds that part of the job is determining the best use of federal dollars, which benefits all taxpayers. Novak encourages others in the bioengineering field to consider public service. "Your work really does make a difference," comments Novak, adding "the government is full of smart and dedicated people." Novak happens to be one of them!

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