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Julius M. M. Kitutu, PhD, MEd, MSc
- Associate Professor of Biomedical Informatics
Department of Biomedical Informatics (DBMI) | University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
Biography
Dr. Julius M. M. Kitutu is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biomedical Informatics at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, having transferred to DBMI effective July 1, 2026. He holds a Ph.D. in Education, two M.Ed. degrees (Policy Planning & Evaluation; Research Methodology) from the University of Pittsburgh, and an M.Sc. in Statistics and B.Sc. in Mathematics from Nagpur University. Dr. Kitutu previously served at the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing for over two decades, including as a statistician in the Center for Research in Chronic Disorders, Chief Diversity Officer, Associate Dean for Student Affairs & Alumni Relations, and Associate Dean for Community Engagement. His work has centered on biostatistics, program evaluation, nursing education outcomes, diversity, equity, and inclusion leadership in health professions education.
Research Interests
Dr. Kitutu’s research applies statistical and evaluative methods to questions in nursing and health professions education, including predictors of licensure examination success, student retention and admissions outcomes, and the design of undergraduate and peer research-mentorship programs. His work also addresses health disparities and cultural factors in health education, and he has a long-standing interest in diversity, equity, and inclusion strategy within academic health science settings.
Specialties
- Biostatistics and Program Evaluation
- Nursing and Health Professions Education Research
- Student Retention, Admissions, and Academic Success Analytics
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leadership
- Research Mentorship Program Design
Education & Training
- B.S., MathematicsNagpur University, Nagpur, India
- M.S., StatisticsNagpur University, Nagpur, India
- M.Ed., Research MethodologyUniversity of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
- M.Ed., Policy Planning & EvaluationUniversity of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
- Ph.D., EducationUniversity of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
Awards & Distinctions
- AACN Diversity Leadership Institute (2025 Cohort)American Association of Colleges of Nursing2025
- Lucy Young Kelly Faculty Leadership AwardUniversity of Pittsburgh2023
- School of Education Distinguished Alumni AwardUniversity of Pittsburgh2019
- ACC Academic Leadership Network (ALN), 2nd CohortAtlantic Coast Conference2019–2020
- Semi-Finalist, Global Pittsburgh Immigrant Entrepreneur AwardGlobal Pittsburgh2016
Representative Publications
Mahmoud F, Zhao J, Kitutu JM. The COVID-19 Impact on NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: Preparing for Future Global Crises. Journal of Teaching and Learning in Nursing. 2025;20(3):e658-e664.
Mahmoud KF, Hui V, Zhao J, Kim DK, Kitutu JM. Predictors of First-Time NCLEX-RN Pass-Rate in Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Journal of Nursing Education. 2024;63(1):10-16.
Mahmoud KF, Hui V, Zhao J, Kim DK, Kitutu JM. Response: Reflections on What We Study in Nursing Academia. Journal of Nursing Education. 2024;63(4):e1-e2.
Kitutu JM, Mahmoud KF, Fradkin D. Utilization of Peer Advisement Course Among First-Year Students: A Pilot Study Exploring Students and Their Perceptions. Nurse Education Today. 2021;105:105022.
Agbemenu K, Hannah M, Kitutu J, Doswell W, Terry MA. “Sex Will Make Your Fingers Grow Thin and Then You Die”: The Interplay of Culture, Myths, and Taboos on African Immigrant Mothers’ Perceptions of Reproductive Health Education with Their Daughters Aged 10-14 Years. Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health. 2017.
Research Grants
| Grant / Funding Agency | Role | Grant Number | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lucy Young Kelly Faculty Leadership Award — Building a Database to Track High School Students Admitted With or Without Submission of SAT/ACT Scores to Determine Academic Success in Nursing Program School of Nursing | PI | 2023–present |
Trainees
| Trainee | Degree Program / Role & Years |
|---|---|
| Kafuli Agbemenu, RN, MSN, MPH, PhD | PhD Dissertation Committee Member — Content Expert/Mentor │ 2014–2015 |
| Laura Fero, RN, MSN, PhD | PhD Dissertation Committee Member — Statistical Consultation/Mentor │ 2007–2009 |
| Judith Dornbach, DNP | DNP Project Committee Member — Statistician │ 2017 |
| Jennifer Pavone, DNP | DNP Project Committee Member — Statistician │ 2014–2015 |
| Diane Feder, DNP | DNP Project Committee Member — Statistician │ 2014 |
| Marie Fioravanti, DNP | DNP Project Committee Member — Statistician │ 2010–2011 |