AI Basics for Public Health
During this webinar we will discuss common concerns and controversies about how artificial intelligence (AI) will impact our climate, culture, and the future of public health.
Artificial intelligence (AI) seems to be everywhere. But how much do you really know about generative AI? We will provide an accessible, beginner-level overview of basic machine learning principles, which serve as the foundation for large language models such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT. By developing a better understanding of how machine learning works, you will be more prepared to use, evaluate, and plan for disruptions and opportunities created by AI.
Learning Objectives:
Following this session, participants will be able to:
- Understand basic principles of machine learning and generative AI
- Become familiar with common critiques of AI and their origins, including issues related to privacy, bias, and the environmental impact of AI
-
Learn proper use cases for generative AI within the public health field
-
Understand the principles of human-centered AI and explore how AI implementation can recenter humans in public health
Speakers
Dr. Claire Han
Dr. Han is passionate about using quantitative and qualitative methods to inform public policy decisions. She received her Ph.D. in Education from Johns Hopkins University where she specialized in applied statistics, including standard regression methods in addition to causal inference methods, social network analysis, and meta-analysis. During her time as a Senior Researcher at American Institutes for Research, Dr. Han developed a toolkit for integrating AI into meta-analyses and systematic reviews. Dr. Han has extensive experience developing and facilitating workshops, and is passionate about mentorship in the field of AI.
Heather Duncan, MPH, PhD
Dr. Duncan received her Ph.D. in English from SUNY Buffalo and has served as faculty at various institutions of higher learning, where she taught research writing, literature, and media studies. After over a decade of teaching and scholarship in the humanities, she transitioned to a career in public health. She received her MPH in 2024 from SUNY Albany and is now pursuing a Ph.D. in epidemiology, where her doctoral work focuses on building AI agents for local health departments. Dr. Duncan is a strong advocate for making science more accessible and improving the strategic communications of public health organizations. She is also co-owner of M&D Science Consulting and Communications, where she specializes in science and medical communications, data analysis and interpretation for the health sciences, and public health education.
