2024 Data Science Summit

On January 11, 2024, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health held the third Data Science for Public Health Summit. The event showcased the innovative ways that data scientists are using emerging quantitative techniques to address public health challenges, from climate change to cancer to the health risks of beauty products and more. The event also considered challenges and opportunities in the fast-moving field. Read about it in "Data Science Summit Spotlights the Quantitative Cutting Edge." 


Keynote Presentation: The Bright Future of Applied Statistics

The increasing need for data scientists has prompted universities to explore effective ways to train skilled professionals in this field. Yet, there's no clear agreement on the essential components - like foundational principles, expertise, skills, or knowledge - that constitute data science as an academic discipline. In my seminar, I'll begin by examining the role of academia, especially applied statisticians, in educating future data scientists. Following this, I'll share two or three examples from my research to illustrate the crucial role of statistical thinking in solving real-world problems.

Rafael Irizarry, PhD is a Professor of Applied Statistics at Harvard and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. He was recently named Chair of the Department of Data Sciences at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and is a Professor of Biostatistics at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. 

2024 Data Science for Public Health Summit Keynote: The Bright Future of Applied Statistics


2024 Agenda 

8:00 a.m.     Breakfast and Check-In  

9:00 a.m.      Welcome   

9:20 a.m.       Keynote Presentation: The Bright Future of Applied Statistics  

Rafael Irizarry, PhD is a Professor of Applied Statistics at Harvard and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. He was recently named Chair of the Department of Data Sciences at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and is a Professor of Biostatistics at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

10:15 a.m.     Networking Break 

10:30 a.m.    Session 1: Considerations on Fairness and Justice in Data Science 

Ami Zota, ScD, Associate Professor of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia Mailman School of Public Health 
Sorcha Brophy, PhD, Assistant Professor of Health Policy and Management, Columbia Mailman School of Public Health 
Augustin Chaintreau, PhD, Associate Professor of Computer Science, The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science at Columbia University 
Daniel Malinsky, PhD, Assistant Professor of Biostatistics, Columbia Mailman School of Public Health 

12:10 p.m.    Networking Lunch  

1:20 p.m.       Session 2: AI / ML in Climate and Health Research

Robbie Parks, PhD, Assistant Professor of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia Mailman School of Public Health
Sen Pei, PhD, Assistant Professor of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia Mailman School of Public Health
Jeanette Stingone, PhD, Assistant Professor, Epidemiology, Faculty, Columbia Center for Environmental Health and Justice in Northern Manhattan
Xiao Wu, PhD, Assistant Professor of Biostatistics, Columbia Mailman School of Public Health

3:00 p.m.      Networking Break 

3:15 p.m.       Session 3: Medical Imaging and Computer Vision to Inform Population Health
Seonjoo Lee, PhD, Associate Professor of Clinical Biostatistics (in Psychiatry), Columbia Mailman School of Public Health
John Wright, PhD, Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering, The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science at Columbia University
Mary Beth Terry, PhD, Professor of Epidemiology (in Environmental Health Sciences), Columbia Mailman School of Public Health
Despina Kontos, PhD, Professor of Radiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center 

4:55 p.m.      Closing      

5:00 p.m.      Reception 

6:00 p.m.      Event Adjourns