Data Science Talk Series 

Balancing Health, Economics, and Technology: Lessons from COVID-19 Policies and Advances in AI-Driven Cardiac Imaging (In person)

Abstract: This talk encompasses two channels of research: The first explores the intersection of public health policy, economic tradeoffs, and technological innovation in medical imaging. Drawing on evidence from COVID-19, Dr. Orhan Erdem examines the balance between stringent non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) and their economic consequences. This part of the talk will highlight the complex decision-making processes faced by policymakers during a global crisis.

In parallel, Dr. Orhan Erdem turns to advances in artificial intelligence for cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, focusing on accelerated, non-contrast-enhanced, and free-breathing techniques that promise improved diagnostic accuracy and efficiency in pediatric and adult cardiology. By bridging these domains, pandemic policy and medical technology, the talk emphasizes a unifying theme: how data-driven approaches can guide better decisions under constraints, ultimately improving both societal and clinical outcomes.

Bio of the speaker: Dr. Orhan Erdem is an economist and data scientist who serves as a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Data Analytics and Statistics at the University of North Texas. Earlier in his career, he directed the Research Department at Borsa Istanbul. His academic path has taken him across three continents, with teaching and research experiences at universities in Spain, Türkiye, and the United States. Orhan earned his Ph.D. in Economics from Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona and holds M.A. and B.S. degrees from Boğaziçi University in Türkiye. He has written three books, most recently After the Crash, which explores the lasting impact of the 2008 Great Recession. His research spans a wide spectrum, from financial decision-making to applications in the health sciences.