Innovation Rooted in Research
Within the Norfolk Innovation Corridor, Old Dominion University (ODU) continues to demonstrate how academic research can directly improve human health and create opportunities for commercial application.
A recent breakthrough by Aditya Chakraborty, Ph.D., an ODU assistant professor in public health, illustrates the power of data-driven innovation to forecast disease trends and save lives. News coverage by Yiqing Wang, WHRO News’ health reporter, highlighted this important research by connecting this groundbreaking university achievement with the impacts for the wider Hampton Roads community.
A Smarter Way to See Spikes
Chakraborty’s model analyzes weekly mortality data across 14 major diseases—from diabetes to heart disease to COVID—flagging unusual increases with more than 90% accuracy. Unlike traditional methods, this framework accounts for interacting risk factors such as obesity, smoking, and limited access to care, offering a more complete picture of public health threats.
In a region like Hampton Roads—where diabetes and heart disease mortality rates remain higher than the state average—the ability to identify early warning signs is critical. By spotting spikes before they become crises, public health officials can take swift action to protect communities.
From Lab to Life
The model doesn’t stop at forecasting. It projects survival timelines and helps researchers identify which risk factors to target first, paving the way for improved prevention strategies. The next phase will apply the tool to cancer mortality data, with the goal of offering neighborhood-level insights that policymakers and healthcare providers can use to direct resources more effectively.
Commercial and Clinical Potential
ODU’s innovation aligns with other healthcare advances in the Corridor, such as Sentara’s use of AI to detect sepsis and heart disease earlier than ever before. Together, these examples showcase the NIC as a hub where university research and healthcare systems collaborate for both public benefit and commercial innovation.
Why It Matters for the NIC
ODU’s disease forecasting model is a powerful reminder that innovation isn’t abstract—it’s about healthier people, smarter systems, and stronger communities. By linking research to real-world healthcare applications, the Norfolk Innovation Corridor continues to live its mission: Innovation Happens Here.
Reference:
New disease-forecasting model may help Hampton Roads tackle high death rates
WHRO | By Yiqing Wang
Published September 22, 2025
