The Biomedical Data Science Innovation Lab (BDSIL) program, based at the University of Virginia, offers participants a unique and immersive experience at the intersection of biomedical research and data science. Through a combination of online seminar lectures, hands-on project development, and mentorship from leading experts in the field, participants develop Team-based projects aimed at tackling complex challenges in biomedical research and healthcare. Through an open discussion, we wish to highlight the experiences of past participants and hear directly from them on how the BDSIL has impacted their research and career trajectories. The intent of this panel discussion involving past participants of the BDSIL is to provide current and future participants with valuable insights, perspectives, and advice based on the experiences of those who have previously completed the program. Furthermore, panelists will share insights into the broader impact of the BDSIL program on their academic and professional lives, including any research projects, publications, or collaborations that have stemmed from their participation. They will reflect on the skills, knowledge, and perspectives they gained from the program and how these have influenced their contributions to the field of biomedical data science. Overall, this panel discussion will serve as an opportunity for current and future participants to learn from the experiences of their peers, gain valuable advice and guidance, and foster connections within the BDSIL community.

Panel Speakers

Dr. Andrei Irimia (2016) is Associate Professor in the Leonard Davis School of Gerontology at the University of Southern California. He and his team leverage data science, deep learning and brain imaging to map brain aging in health and disease. Clinical applications of his research include the individually tailored estimation of Alzheimer's disease risk in older adults.

Dr. Laura Corlin (2019 and 2022) is an Associate Professor in Public Health and Community Medicine at Tufts University. She earned her MS and PhD in Environmental Health through Tufts School of Engineering in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. She completed a post-doctoral fellowship in Cardiovascular Epidemiology at the Boston University School of Medicine. Through her research developing and applying new methods to assess the health effects of environmental exposures, Dr. Corlin seeks to mitigate climate and environmental health disparities. Dr. Corlin also is a grateful past participant in two BDSIL cohorts – experiences that were transformational and productive!

Dr. Felix Bradbury (2023) is an AI Health Practitioner at MITRE Corporation. His work involves creating AI and Machine Learning models to assist physicians and patients in decision-making at the point of care. Dr. Bradbury also uses operational research techniques to improve workflow efficiency and aim to establish a clear link between cost and quality.

Dr. Chelsea Marie Braun (2023) is an Associate Professor of Infectious Disease and International Health in the Department of Medicine. Her current work includes a prospective birth cohort study of infants in Bangladesh examining the links between host genetics, parasitic infection, and malnutrition and a basic research program investigating Cryptosporidium pathogenesis.