Translational AI in Public Health Research
Join faculty, researchers, students, and staff for a day highlighting innovative research, collaboration, and the growing role of artificial intelligence in public health.
About the Symposium
The 2026 PPHS Research Symposium will feature faculty presentations from across the department, research utilizing AI tools and methods, rapid-fire talks from select postdocs, and an open poster session.
Department Leadership
Ricky Bluthenthal, PhD
Chanita Hughes Halbert, PhD
Program at a Glance
View the tentative schedule for registration, welcome remarks, keynote speakers, faculty presentations, the student poster session, rapid-fire research, and closing remarks.
Keynote Speakers
David Friedland, MD, PhD
Associate Dean for Clinical Research, and Director of Clinical Artificial Intelligence (AI) Applications at Keck School of Medicine of USC
Vasiliki (Vas) Anest, PhD
Chief Innovation Officer, USC Norris; Head of MESH Strategic Partnerships, Keck School of Medicine; and Senior Director of Business Development and Industry Relations
Afternoon Keynote Speakers
John Blosnich, PhD
Co-Director of the USC Center for AI in Society and Associate Professor (Social Work)
Bistra Dilkina, PhD
Co-Director of the USC Center for AI in Society and Associate Professor (Computer Science)
Faculty Speakers
Julia Vassey, PhD
HBR Faculty
Laura Ferguson, PhD
Global Health Faculty
Kelly Street, PhD
Biostatistics Faculty
Jesse Goodrich, PhD
Environmental Health
More Research Presentations
Yi-Chun Chang, PhD
Postdoctoral Researcher, Institute for Addiction Science
Noelle Pardo, PhD, MPH
Postdoctoral Researcher, Environmental Health
Yara Tapia
Project Leader, Klausner Research Group
Qing Tan, PhD
Postdoctoral Researcher, Center for Genetic Epidemiology
Open Poster Session
Students are invited to submit a research poster related to public health or health research. The work does not need to be AI-related.
Student Poster Submission
When you RSVP, you can sign up to present a poster using the same form.
One poster person per submission, please.
RSVP & Submit a Poster