Checking in with AI faculty: Noah Hammarlund

a headshot of Dr. Noah Hammarlund, smiling and wearing a pale blue shirt
Noah Hammarlund, Ph.D., is an assistant professor in the Department of Health Services Research, Management and Policy.

My research uses artificial intelligence and quantitative methods to improve health care decision-making and outcomes.

A key area of interest is integrating social and contextual factors into predictive models so that interventions can promote equity in care. AI enables us to uncover patterns and barriers that would otherwise remain invisible so that we can support more equitable and effective health care delivery.

Since arriving at UF, I’ve secured a pilot grant to develop predictive models addressing social barriers in breast cancer care. My work has been featured in leading journals, including a spotlighted paper in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention and another study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute on disparities in prostate cancer treatment. These accomplishments set the stage for future collaborative projects aimed at driving meaningful impact.

I continue to explore how AI and advanced quantitative methods can transform health care, particularly by integrating social risk management into clinical workflows. My focus includes harmonizing different forms of data to enhance predictive modeling and ensure it incorporates critical social and contextual information. It is vital to approach AI applications thoughtfully to avoid reinforcing existing disparities. Ethical and responsible use of AI is key to unlocking its full potential for sustainable health care improvements.

I closely follow advancements in fairness-aware AI and bias mitigation techniques in predictive modeling in health care applications. These innovations have the potential to help address inequities, but they must be implemented responsibly to avoid unintended consequences. Balancing technological progress with ethical considerations is essential to ensuring that AI benefits everyone.

UF’s AI community provides an exceptional environment for collaboration and innovation across disciplines. The university’s focus on integrating AI into health research creates a supportive space for tackling some of the most pressing challenges in health care. The collaborative spirit within the UF community encourages partnerships to tackle complex problems and drive meaningful advancements.