EXPERTS AND MEDIA
OSU Research on Tap
October 19, 2026
Dr. Patrick Stephens, Associate Professor of Biology
"Detecting the Next Outbreak: What Big Data Can Tell Us About Disease Spread"
Disease outbreaks seem to be making headlines more often, from H1N1 and COVID-19 to recent measles outbreaks. As people, animals, and goods move more rapidly across the globe, predicting where the next outbreak might emerge has become one of the most important challenges in public health. The good news is that researchers now have access to more information than ever before. From health records and environmental data to satellite imagery and online reporting systems, new sources of data are helping scientists better understand how diseases spread. Moreover, when combined with advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning, these tools are opening new possibilities for detecting outbreaks earlier and forecasting their potential impact.
VP for Research Kenneth Sewell will interview biologist Patrick Stephens about his research on using data and AI to predict disease outbreaks, the challenges of forecasting emerging threats, and what these advances could mean for protecting communities in Oklahoma and around the world.
More Information on the Research on Tap Series...
Upcoming Schedule:
| Date | Expert Guest | Topic |
|---|---|---|
| October 19, 2026 | Patrick Stephens | Using large datasets, machine learning, and other computational methods to study large-scale infectious disease dynamics and patterns of biodiversity |
| November 23, 2026 | Roger Mailler | Computational neuroscience -- and how groups of intelligent computer agents can coordinate, communicate, and solve complex problems in distributed systems |
| December 14, 2026 |
Douglas Knutson | Rural health care access and community-based behavioral health education strategies |
| January 18, 2027 | Brian Whitacre | The role technology can play in rural economic development |
| February 15, 2027 | Clint Aichele | Applying advanced experimental techniques to challenges in energy and environmental systems, including oil–water separation, carbon-related processes, and water treatment |
| March 15, 2027 | Sumit Mandal | How firefighters’ protective clothing may not protect against toxic smoke particles emitted during wildland and oilfield fires |
| April 19, 2027 | Jaime Schussler | Stormwater management, including erosion and sediment control, and identifying practical solutions to manage increased stormwater runoff and sediment loads from construction, urban, agricultural, and reclamation sites |
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