DISC Hosts Interdisciplinary Panel on AI in Health

On Wednesday, January 28, the Data Institute for Societal Challenges (DISC) at the University of Oklahoma hosted its second interdisciplinary panel of the year, bringing together experts to discuss how artificial intelligence is transforming health research and innovation. The virtual event, part of the DISC Speaker Series, drew over 40 participants from across campus.

Moderated by Dr. Chongle Pan, Professor, Computer Science and Biomedical Engineering, and Associate Director at the Data Institute for Societal Challenges, the panel featured leaders across public health, health systems, biomedical engineering, and population research who shared insights at the intersection of AI, health, and informed action.

Panelists included:

• David Bard — Professor of Pediatrics; Director, Biomedical & Behavioral Methodology Core; Co-Lead, AI Health Working Group
• Jun Li — Founding Chair, Department of Molecular Genetics and Genome Sciences; Co-Lead, AI Health Working Group
• Mark Woodring — Assistant Professor, Hudson College of Public Health
• Talayeh Razzaghi — Associate Professor, Industrial & Systems Engineering; PI and Lead, AI-Powered Healthcare Lab

The discussion explored four key themes: the current impact of AI in health, emerging research directions, OU’s long-term strategy in this area, and near-term opportunities for collaboration, funding, and workforce development. Panelists highlighted advances in data-driven diagnostics, predictive modeling, and personalized medicine, while also addressing challenges such as data privacy, regulation, and translating innovation into real-world clinical practice.

The conversation underscored OU’s opportunity to lead through interdisciplinary collaboration, stronger partnerships, and investment in shared research infrastructure. Panelists encouraged faculty and students to pursue cross-campus partnerships and expand skills in AI, responsible data use, and translational research.

Through this event, DISC continued to showcase OU’s growing expertise in AI and health and its commitment to research that addresses complex societal challenges.