Data and Systems Science

Data and systems science research includes, but is not limited to informatics, use and development of technologies, digital health, and data elements.

Data & Systems Science Marquee Background Wide

Data science is the application of computational inquiries into large data sets to uncover data-driven decisions and solutions. Data analytics can include data mining, machine learning and other predictive analytic approaches.

Systems scientists identify and test factors for modifying complex systems (e.g., health care settings, populations).  The intentions are to achieve higher quality (safer) care, better patient experiences and population health outcomes at less cost, and improved healthcare provider work life.

Within data and systems science, our faculty are harnessing the development and use of technology for improving health and healthcare. They are engaged in creating clinical decision and care team communication enhancements and advancing provider care delivery for the early identification and treatment of disease and prevention of adverse events, as well as mobile health programs for improving health behaviors that will prevent cancer and chronic health conditions.

Faculty

Hyochol Brian Ahn

Hyochol Brian Ahn , PhD, MSN, MS-CTS, MS-ECE, APRN, ANP-BC, FAAN

Dean, College of Nursing

Professor, Nursing

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Research Impact

My research is aimed at enhancing health and promoting independence within vulnerable populations, with a particular emphasis on underserved communities. Currently, my primary focus lies in leveraging innovative technologies to advance pain and symptom management.

Sheila M Gephart

Sheila M Gephart

Sheila M Gephart , PhD, RN, FAAN

Interim Chair, Advanced Nursing Practice and Science Division

Professor

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Research Impact

I conduct research to help clinicians make evidence-based decisions using a technology called clinical decision support systems. My nursing experience in neonatal intensive care informs my work to prevent and support timely diagnosis of necrotizing enterocolitis in fragile infants- a project we call "NEC-Zero."

Judith S Gordon

Judith Gordon

Judith S Gordon , PhD

Associate Dean, Research

Professor

Professor, BIO5 Institute

Professor, Family and Community Medicine

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Research Impact

I conduct research to help people engage in healthier lifestyle behaviors, primarily tobacco use cessation and prevention. Currently, I focus on reaching tobacco users in a variety of healthcare settings, and using integrative approaches and technology to reduce tobacco use.

Kathleen C Insel

Kathleen Insel

Kathleen C Insel , PhD, RN

Professor

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Research Impact

My area of research focuses on cognitive function and how cognition is influenced by age, illness, and treatment; this also informs how cognitive function influences self-management. Using cognitive theories, we developed an intervention to improve medication adherence. We are now translating this intervention to an App.

Jessica Rainbow

Jessica Rainbow

Jessica Rainbow , PhD, RN

Associate Professor

Director, Clinical-Research Partnership

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Research Impact

I conduct research on the hospital work environment in order to improve nurse and patient health and safety outcomes. Currently, I focus on understanding and addressing nurse presenteeism, when you are physically at work, but not fully engaged or functioning.

Kimberly Denise Shea

Kimberly Denise Shea

Kimberly Denise Shea , PhD, RN, CHPN

Assistant Professor of Practice, Biomedical Informatics

Clinical Professor

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Research Impact

I conduct research that combines serious illness care (palliative and hospice) and technology, primarily in residential settings. Currently, I am focusing on tele-palliative care that uses mobile device instant video conferencing to reduce stress and time to symptom reduction.

Graciela Emilia Silva Torres

Graciela Emilia Silva Torres

Graciela Emilia Silva Torres , PhD, MPH

Assistant Professor, Public Health

Clinical Professor

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Research Impact

My research focus is on sleep and outcomes related to quality of sleep such as weight gain, circadian rhythms, quality of life, and glycemic control, as well as biometrics to detect sleep disordered breathing. I use statistical techniques to evaluate associations, such as mixed models and longitudinal analysis.