Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for non-traditional data analysis techniques and data sources to understand the emergence of a deadly, novel virus. In this talk, I will discuss how our team is using mathematical, statistical, and computational models as well as heterogeneous data streams (e.g., social media, weather, mobility information, and satellite imagery) to model and forecast the spread of infectious diseases including influenza, COVID-19, and dengue. In addition, I will demonstrate the role that mathematics and data science has played in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and challenges that remain to model current and future pandemics.

Bio

Dr. Sara Del Valle is a senior scientist at Los Alamos National Laboratory, where she leads a multidisciplinary team focused on the development of mathematical and computational models for infectious diseases. More recently, her team has been investigating the role of large-scale data analytics such as satellite imagery, Internet data, and climate on complementing traditional approaches to inform infectious disease modeling. Her work has been covered in several top media outlets such as National Geographic, NPR Science Friday, Popular Mechanics, and The New York Times. 

Math Colloquiums

Colloquium Seminars are held on select Fridays throughout the year. These broad audience presentations are intended to introduce the VCU community to the world of mathematics. Colloquium presentations explore topics in mathematics, applied mathematics, math history and education, and the exciting connections between math, science, art and humanities. 

Reception to follow in the Academic Commons First Floor Lobby.