Speaker: Dr. Paul Hynds,  Principal Investigator, Environmental Sustainability and Health Institute, Technological University Dublin 

Title: “Random Forests and Kidney Failure: A statistical journey toward predicting pediatric Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome in the Republic of Ireland”

Time: 2:30 – 3:30 PM

Location: Dupuis Hall, Rm. 217

Refreshments provided!

Abstract

The seminar will present multiple multi-disciplinary studies, all of which had and have a very similar overarching objective, but use several approaches, datasets, test sites, and software packages to get there. Ireland currently has the highest incidence rate of verotoxigenic E. coli enteritis in Europe and one of the highest in the world. For example, current incidence rates for Ireland and Canada are approximately 9 cases/100,000 persons and 1.8 cases/100,000 persons, respectively. Moreover, the profile of infection in Ireland is suspected to be extremely unique due to it’s climate, infrastructure, and geography. Thus, the “journey” comprises hydrogeology, microbial ecology, socio-epidemiology, statistical modelling, machine learning, quantitative risk assessment, and Paul getting stuck down a well for 4 hours (True Story).