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Figure 1- An Avian Influenza risk map of Indonesia developed by Dara and her team.

Harnessing Social Media: A Novel Approach to Disease Surveillance

Don't underestimate the power of social media! Social media is no longer just a place for selfies and memes. Dr. Rozita Dara, from the School of Computer Science, has recently unlocked a fascinating use of Twitter that could change the face of disease surveillance and management. This new method involves the analysis of Twitter data, aiding in predicting disease trends and gauging public perception toward health policies.

A Leap in Public Health Management Through Machine Learning

Man speaking at podium and microphone

Governor General's Award given to Chemistry Grad

Renowned triple U of G Chemistry grad Dr. Michael Organ receives the 2023 Governor General’s Innovation Award

Dr. Organ’s research invented the flow reactor to manufacture a critical molecule used in preparing PCR test kits for COVID-19. The technology contributed to COVID tests used around the world, helping many people to reach the other side of the pandemic safely.

Dr. Zeny Feng, Kalyla Vanderkruk, and Dr. Lorna Deeth discuss their work.

Statistical Models Can Alert Us To Approaching Influenza Epidemics

Due to our recent experience with the COVID-19 pandemic, it is perhaps clearer than ever that accurate and early detection of epidemics is of critical importance. When the first signs of an epidemic arise, measures can be put into place to help mitigate the spread of illness. This may include public health messaging to wash your hands, stay home if unwell, and reminders to get vaccinated. However, the effectiveness of these measures depends on a timely identification of an approaching epidemic.

Congratulations to two CEPS Professors

The 2023 UGFA Award Winners were announced, and CEPS brought home the hardware!

Associate Professor Abdallah Elsayed from Engineering was one of five faculty recognized from across U of G and received the Distinguished Professor Award for Excellence in Teaching. Assistant Professor, Mike Massa from Physics was the sole recipient of the Distinguished Professor Award for Excellence in Innovation in Teaching.

Example of the missing data problem, showing various fish sizes and ocean depth chart

Statistical Tools Help Solve a Challenge in Biology

Researchers develop a strategy for analyzing incomplete data sets
 

Missing data is a common and challenging problem in a broad range of scientific studies.  This is particularly true in the analyses of real-world data. For example, in the study of biological systems it is difficult to completely sample a population with a wide variety of traits (characteristics like body size, age and habitat).  It is impossible to sample everything, and missing data is almost inevitable.

School of Engineering Staff Member Wins Award

Headshot of Bogdan Bunescu

 

Bogdan Bunescu, Information Technology Manager for the School of Engineering, is the recipient of the 2023 PSA Emerging Leader Staff Award of Excellence.

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