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UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health

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Using Data Science Methods to Answer Big Health Questions

UNC Gillings faculty engage in interdisciplinary collaboration and data-driven precision health approaches to tackle complex public health issues.

Big Data to Solve the Biggest Health Problems

From Matthew Chamberlin
Associate Dean for Communications and Marketing

At Gillings, our faculty leads the way in solving monumental public health challenges. From cutting-edge AI to personalized strategies, we embrace the present, the new, and the future. With diverse minds and collaborative spirit, we unravel complex problems and craft sustainable solutions. Lives are at stake – sons, daughters, fathers, and mothers – they are us, our communities. Armed with data and innovative tools, we shape a healthier world for all.

Public Health Foundation | Advisory Council | Alumni Association

Articles from Fall 2019

From the Dean, fall 2019

In this issue, we address emerging fields, collaboration, and impactful research. We tackle epidemics, opioid misuse, and global water threats through data-driven solutions.

Advancing Precision Health: Exploring the Intersection of Research and Collaboration

This research emphasizes tailored strategies, collaboration, and translation into interventions. Gillings researchers foster an engaging environment for problem-solving.

Using Data Science Methods to Answer Big Health Questions

UNC Gillings faculty engage in interdisciplinary collaboration and data-driven precision health approaches to tackle complex public health issues.

Finding Personalized Solutions for Obesity

Gillings uses a precision health approach through the Obesity Hub to investigate why different individuals have varying weight gain patterns when consuming the same diets.

One Health Links People and Environment

Gillings researchers are collaborating across disciplines, including chemists, biologists, epidemiologists, and engineers, to tackle real-world environmental problems.

Profile: Salzberg New Leader of The Water Institute

A renowned leader in water policy is the new director of The Water Institute at Gillings, focusing on real-world solutions to global water challenges.

Big Data Improve Diversity in Health Studies

Gillings researchers analyze multi-omics data to identify health-related genetic variants, addressing the underrepresentation of diverse populations in genomics studies.

Using Big Data to Solve Health Equity Puzzles

Whitney Robinson investigates factors behind high hysterectomy rates among young African-American women in the South to inform equitable treatment interventions.

Assisting New Mothers in Emergencies

Aunchalee Palmquist researches lactation and breastfeeding in emergencies, aiming to improve support for vulnerable populations and ensure safe nutrition during crises.

Putting Evidence-Based Practices to Work

Gillings researchers are using big data and evidence-based interventions to improve health equity and patient outcomes in N.C. by addressing health disparities.

Treatment Effects in the Real World

Gillings researchers use big data, such as insurance claims and medical records, to generate real-world evidence on the safety and effectiveness of prescription drugs.

Machine Learning Drives Precision Cancer

Gillings researchers use genomics, machine learning, and population-based research to improve breast cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

School News and Awards 2019

Some examples of the many honors, grants and recognitions School students, faculty and alumni received in the past year.

Raising Awareness of Alcohol Abuse Impacts

UNC graduates Ann and Ron Wooten provide funds to raise awareness about alcohol abuse and support policies to prevent high-risk drinking at Gillings.

Professorship Honors Longtime Faculty Member Earp

Gillings establishes an endowed professorship in honor of Jo Anne Earp, with Kurt Ribisl appointed as the first Jo Anne Earp Distinguished Professor of health behavior.

Blue Cross Grant Supports Work to End Child Hunger

BCBSNC partners with No Kid Hungry N.C. to address food insecurity among public school students by providing financial support for child nutrition programs.

Alumni Create Diversity Endowment

UNC Gillings graduates Doug and Jessica Melton create a scholarship endowment to promote healthcare leadership opportunities for women and minorities.

Investing in WaSH Solutions

Ahuja supports student travel to address water issues in developing countries, promoting research and field experience in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WaSH) topics.

Q&A with Amanda Gomez

Gomez, an MSPH to PhD student, worked on improving rural maternity care at UNC Family Medicine at Chatham Hospital with the support of the Siegel Student Support Award.

New Awards Fund Honors Weinberger’s Parents

Morris Weinberger establishes awards at Gillings School to recognize students involved in social justice, honoring his parents' legacy.