Arizona State University Launches New School of Technology for Public Health
Arizona State University (ASU) has appointed Jyotishman Pathak as the first dean of its new School of Technology for Public Health. The school aims to create a rapidly evolving space for integrating digital technology, data-driven decision-making, and local impact within public health. Pathak joins ASU from Cornell University and will officially start at the beginning of July.
In an interview with KJZZ’s The Show, Pathak discussed the challenges Arizona faces, including heat-related illnesses, substance abuse, and mental illness. He emphasized that public health is about prevention, focusing on reducing risk factors and promoting healthy behaviors. The new school aims to bridge the divide between individual health and public health, making public health more personal.
Leveraging Technology for Public Health
Pathak highlighted the potential of emerging technologies such as satellite imagery, geographical information systems (GIS), and artificial intelligence (AI) to address public health challenges. For instance, these technologies can help identify heat hotspots, at-risk populations, and inform city planners about better heat mitigation policies. AI can also facilitate mental health screening and support.
The school plans to develop and scale these technologies, working closely with public health colleagues in local and state health departments to deploy them across communities, especially in marginalized populations. Pathak acknowledged the importance of AI in healthcare but also noted that technology alone cannot fix all challenges.
Collaboration and Innovation
Pathak discussed how the new school fits into the healthcare ecosystem in Phoenix, emphasizing collaboration with existing institutions like the University of Arizona’s public health school and TGen. The school aims to distinguish itself through innovation, particularly in deploying emerging technologies in public health and facilitating data sharing between public health and healthcare delivery systems.
Public Perception of Public Health
Pathak noted that while public health gained visibility during the COVID-19 pandemic, it remains largely invisible in everyday life. He stressed the importance of making public health research sensitive to community needs and developing effective communication mechanisms, especially in an era of misinformation and disinformation.
The new School of Technology for Public Health at ASU represents a significant step towards addressing Arizona’s public health challenges through technological innovation and collaboration.
