Direct Relief has awarded Meharry School of Applied Computational Sciences $400,000 to strengthen biomedical data science education and expand research focused on addressing complex health challenges. The funding will support student scholarships, internships, and the hiring of a new faculty member specializing in biomedical data science and health outcomes research.
The grant will partially fund 10 students entering the Fall 2023 M.S. Biomedical Data Science cohort. These students will also receive support to attend national health-focused conferences and participate in a 10-week internship that provides practical research experience and exposure to real-world health issues.
“Thanks to Direct Relief’s support, we are building a program that is among the first of its kind in the country and a significant advancement for our institution,” says Fortune S. Mhlanga, Ph.D., dean of Meharry SACS. “Our goal is to train professionals who will use artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyze health data and develop innovative tools to improve health care delivery.”
The school will also use the funding to recruit a faculty member with expertise in biomedical data science and public health research. This individual will contribute to academic instruction, mentor students, and support the growth of the program’s research initiatives.
“This faculty hire is vital to the long-term success of the program and its role as a national leader in using data science and technology to improve health systems,” says Dean Mhlanga.
The grant is part of Direct Relief’s efforts to support organizations working to address non-medical factors that influence health, such as housing, education, employment, and environmental conditions.
Meharry SACS is one of 71 recipients of Direct Relief grants totaling $22.7 million, funded by contributions from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, the AbbVie Foundation, and Eli Lilly and Co.
