Leading the way

Revolutionising Health Outcomes

In collaboration with her postgraduate students, Dr Madanian is pioneering digital solutions to tackle the intricate challenges within our healthcare sector. Partnering with industry leaders like Te Whatu Ora, SAFERsleep, and Prostate NZ, a project supported by MedTech (TTM) fund, her work leverages cutting- edge technology to support healthcare professionals. From deploying machine learning to foresee disease outbreaks in hospitals to revolutionising blood anomaly detection in rheumatology, Dr Madanian’s research is at the forefront of medical innovation. She is part of a team working on predictive models for emergency department admissions based on weather patterns and public events, showcasing a dynamic blend of technology and real-world applicability.

Beyond these projects, Dr Madanian delves into AI’s potential to enhance health equity. Her research includes predicting missed healthcare appointments for mid-central DHB in Palmerston North, assessing the risk of opioid dependency, and developing speech emotion recognition tools for mental health care and brain injury detection with an international team of scientists. Her commitment to advancing healthcare through technology is matched by her dedication to education. Dr Madanian lectures at both the Bachelor’s and Master’s levels in AUT’s Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering. Before her academic career, she honed her skills as a business analyst and project manager, bringing a wealth of practical experience to her teaching and research.

Responding to Natural Disasters

Beyond healthcare, Dr Madanian’s research extends to disaster response. By predicting emergency department admissions based on weather patterns and public events, her AI models enable better preparedness and resource allocation during natural disasters. This proactive approach is crucial for mitigating the adverse effects of events such as cyclones and pandemics, ensuring that communities receive timely and efficient care.

Integrating Research into Teaching

Dr Madanian’s commitment to education is equally impressive. At AUT, she integrates her cutting-edge research into her teaching, offering students the unique opportunity to work on real-world problems. This hands-on experience is invaluable, equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and industry connections necessary for a successful career. Her mentorship fosters a new generation of professionals ready to tackle complex challenges in the healthcare sector.

Promoting Diversity in STEM

In a field traditionally dominated by men, Dr Madanian stands out as a highly successful early-career academic. A passionate advocate for diversity and equity in technology, Dr Madanian actively works to support and empower girls and women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), ensuring a more inclusive and innovative future.

A Visionary Leader

Dr Madanian’s work exemplifies the transformative potential of AI and machine learning in addressing some of the most pressing challenges of our time. Her collaborative approach, involving charities, private sector companies, and government agencies, ensures that her research has a far-reaching impact. As she continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible, Dr Madanian is not only advancing the field of digital health but also inspiring the next generation of innovators.

For more information about Dr Madanian’s research and AUT’s commitment to providing students with a modern and collaborative learning environment, visit AUT’s website.