JAN 22: Dr. Nina Cesare, Boston University School of Public Health

“Real World Digital Data for Public Health Research: Challenges and Opportunities”

Wednesday, January 22, 2025
Hybrid Event
In-person: Crosstown Center (801 Mass Ave), 2nd floor, Room 2128
12:00-1:00pm Seminar
1:00-2:00pm Luncheon

Bio: Nina Cesare is a Research Scientist at Boston University’s Center for Health Data Science (CHDS). With a strong foundation in sociology, Nina applies quantitative expertise to investigate the interplay between place, space, and health, often leveraging novel data sources. Her collaborative work spans a wide range of topics, including social determinants of health, mental health, and maternal health, partnering with colleagues across BU and beyond to drive impactful research.

Abstract: Digital trace data offer new possibilities for population health research, but also present new methodological and ethical challenges. This discussion will offer examples of how these data can be used to understand health and will address computational challenges that arise when using data not designed with researchers in mind. It will conclude by presenting the ethical and equity-based questions that must be addressed to ensure researchers prioritize research for the common good. Specifically, it will pose the question: what can researchers explore using digital data sources under our existing ethical frameworks, and what should they to do ensure this work prioritizes equity and justice?