Mod4PH Podcast Highlights

The mod4PH podcast showcases new and relevant mathematical modelling concepts and research for public health. This mini-series highlights the groundbreaking work from the Artificial Intelligence and Mathematical Modelling Lab (AIMMLab), directed by Prof. Jude Kong. AIMMLab logo

AIMMLab focuses on developing and deploying innovative AI, data science, and mathematical methods and technologies to address complex, real-world problems in epidemiology, ecology, and data processing. Across five episodes, AIMMLab members discuss how they leverage novel AI tools for mathematical modelling and for Canadian public health.

Episode Overview

Episode 1: Introduction to AIMMLab

Program framework & foundational pillars of research with our Director, Prof. Jude Kong.

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Episode 2: Community health & an explainable AI tool for epidemic modelling

Explainable AI for epidemic modelling; advocacy for community health with Sherif Shuaib and Dr. Yang Xu. This will be aired on 31st of October 2025.

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Episode 3: Human behaviour and novel applications of AI in modelling

Human behaviour in disease transmission models, novel AI applications, and data-privacy considerations with Prof. Qing Han and Dr. Abbas Yazdinejad. This will be aired on 9th of November 2025.

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Episode 4: AI for unconventional data sources and community-based digital health tools

AI with unconventional data sources for early-warning systems; co-developing community-based digital health tools with Dr. Zahra Movahedi Nia and Dr. Gelan Zewdie Ayana. This will be aired on 16th of November 2025.

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Episode 5: Conclusion and future plans of the AIMMLab

Cross-episode reflections; international collaboration to strengthen Canadian health systems; AIMMLab’s vision for the next five years with Prof Jude Kong. This will be aired on 23rd of November 2025.

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Speaker Bios

In order of episodes.

  1. Prof. Jude Kong

    Canada Research Chair in Community-Oriented AI & Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Diseases; Professor, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto

    Prof. Kong is cross-appointed to the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, the Department of Mathematics, and the Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation. He leads both the Africa–Canada AI & Data Innovation Consortium and the AI for Pandemic and Epidemic Preparedness and Response Network.

  2. Sherif Shuaib, MSc

    PhD Candidate, Applied Mathematics, York University; Coordinator, AIMMLab

    Sherif’s role is central to AIMMLab’s interdisciplinary mission, bridging mathematics, AI, and real-world application in epidemiology, ecology, and data processing.

  3. Dr. Yang Xu

    Postdoctoral Fellow, AIMMLab

    Dr. Xu holds a PhD in Mining Engineering from the University of British Columbia and a cross-disciplinary background spanning Machine Learning, Minerals Processing, and Mechanical Engineering.

  4. Dr. Qing Han

    Applied Mathematics (PhD, Purdue University); Former IDRC-sponsored Postdoctoral Fellow, AIMMLab

    Dr. Han’s research at AIMMLab modeled the transmission dynamics of a wide range of infectious diseases, with a focus on actionable insights for public health.

  5. Dr. Abbas Yazdinejad

    Postdoctoral Scholar

    Dr. Yazdinejad’s work focuses on AI, machine learning, healthcare security, and privacy-preserving technologies.

  6. Dr. Zahra Movahedi Nia

    Postdoctoral Fellow, AIMMLab

    Dr. Movahedi Nia’s research centers on integrating AI to enhance decision-making processes in public health.

  7. Dr. Gelan Zewdie

    Postdoctoral Fellow, AIMMLab

    Dr. Zewdie’s research harnesses AI for disease surveillance, diagnosis, and equitable healthcare delivery, particularly through digital health solutions designed for community use.