Akshaya Bhagavathula, PhD, NDSU associate professor of epidemiology in the Department of Public Health, has expertise in epidemiology, digital epidemiology, infodemiology, big data analytics, research methods, secondary data analysis, systemic review and meta-analysis.
He was recently selected for a two-year research fellowship with the Center for Public Health Law Research (CPHLR) at Temple University Beasley School of Law. During his time with the Center, he will conduct a quantitative analysis of the effects of state-level opioid laws on county-level overdose deaths.
As a CPHLR research fellow, Bhagavathula will have access to the CPHRL’s grants management staff and communications staff for dissemination of his research. Along with other research fellows, Bhagavathula will participate in twice-yearly meetings and will have the opportunity to present and receive feedback about his research, engage with other public health law researchers, and consult on strategic issues in the field. The goal of the fellowship is to increase multidisciplinary, collaborative legal epidemiological studies.
In addition to his research fellowship, Bhagavathula was selected to be a member of a 30-person AI cohort led by the University of Virginia. Called the “2024 Biomedical Data Science Innovation Lab: Building Partnerships for Generative AI Training in Biomedical and Clinical Research,” the group is comprised of early-career biomedical or data science researchers from across the country.
The group will collaborate on studying disease patterns in populations by harnessing the power of data, analytics, and computing, with an overall goal of using such information to provide insight and guidance on how to leverage and use these tools in the biomedical sciences.
Harnassing the power of big data and analytics helps shed light on disease patterns in populations, with an overall goal of using such information to increase healthy outcomes. Infodemiology examines gaps between evidence-based knowledge and misinformation that exists on health topics such as those that might be found on the internet. Analyzing big data for patterns and clues can play an important role in identifying and treating disease and helping to stem health misinformation.
"Dr. Bhagavathula's selection for these honors illustrates his expertise and leadership in the field of data informatics and artificial intelligence," said Pamela Jo Johnson, Mary J. Berg Distinguished Professor of Women’s Health and chair of public health at NDSU. "As part of a group of 30 experts selected from across the country, the partnership in the Biomedical Data Science Innovation Lab will enrich the field and our programs for students in public health at NDSU. The research fellowship also will add to knowledge that substantially impacts public health. "
Dr. Bhagavathula has published over 200 research publications in prestigious medical journals with high citation indices with a list of publications available below.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Bhagavathula+AS&sort=date
The NDSU Public Health program offers classes both on-campus and through distance learning technology, with a mission to develop and empower public health leaders through interprofessional education, practice, and research. NDSU offers graduate programs in community health sciences, maternal and child health, epidemiology, accelerated bachelor’s to master’s degree options, a certificate in public health and a dual degree option. In addition to graduate programs in public health, a Bachelor of Science in health services is offered, as well as an undergraduate minor in public health.