Emerging Approaches for Measuring Population Health

Dr. Michelle Colder Carras is an Associate Professor at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, specializing in the intersection of video games and mental health. With a PhD in Mental Health from Johns Hopkins, she has dedicated her research to understanding how gaming can influence mental well-being, exploring both its positive aspects and potential risks, such as gaming addiction. Her work emphasizes the importance of community and connection through gaming, particularly for individuals who may feel isolated. Dr. Colder Carras has collaborated with various stakeholders, including psychologists and game developers, to develop interventions that leverage the benefits of gaming while addressing its challenges. She has authored numerous publications on topics related to digital well-being and is actively involved in research that aims to inform public health policies regarding technology use.

Dr. Smisha Agarwal is an Assistant Professor in the Department of International Health at Johns Hopkins University and serves as the Executive Director of the Center for Global Digital Health Innovation. With a robust academic background that includes a PhD from the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health and dual degrees in MBA and MPH from Johns Hopkins, Dr. Agarwal specializes in enhancing maternal and newborn health in low-income settings by strengthening community health systems through innovative technology solutions. Her research focuses on leveraging digital devices and data analytics to improve primary healthcare services, particularly through the development of digital clinical decision support tools and mobile health interventions. Notably, she played a key role in launching the WHO's first guidelines on digital health interventions aimed at strengthening health systems globally. Prior to her current role, she led significant projects with the Population Council and founded Global Health Bridge, a non-profit dedicated to improving health service delivery in India. Dr. Agarwal's work exemplifies her commitment to using technology to address critical health challenges faced by vulnerable populations worldwide.

Shivani Pandya is a Research Associate II at the Center for Global Digital Health Innovation at Johns Hopkins University, where she focuses on leveraging technology to enhance health systems and improve population health outcomes. With a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree, she is actively involved in research that explores innovative approaches to data collection and health information systems, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Her work includes teaching courses on emerging techniques for measuring population health, where she emphasizes the integration of gender and equity considerations in public health surveys. Pandya's contributions to the field are further highlighted by her involvement in various projects that aim to harness digital tools for effective health interventions. Her dedication to advancing global health initiatives positions her as a key player in the evolving landscape of public health research and practice.