Youfa Wang

Fisher Institute of Health and Well-Being, 2017-18

Interdisciplinary, Systems Approach and Big-Data-Enhanced Obesity Research

Youfa Wang is the John and Janice Fisher Endowed Chair of Wellness and Associate Director of the Fisher Institute of Health and Well Being. Dr. Wang’s main research interests focus on nutritional epidemiology, child growth and health, childhood obesity, non-communicable chronic diseases, health disparities, lifestyles, global health, and the analysis of “big data.” He leads a team of researchers from several departments, including computer science, geography, and the Fisher Institute, who are engaged in the DSL-supported Interdisciplinary, Systems Approach and Big-Data-Enhanced Obesity Research project.  They are assembling and developing analytical and visualization tools for a study of the etiology and prevention of obesity.  Wang and his team are seeking National Institute of Health funding for this research. The project is also supported with funds from Ball State’s Sponsored Projects office through its Advanced Program.