Carnegie Mellon University
Welcome to the realm of digital vaccines - a captivating subcategory of digital therapeutics. These innovative solutions are grounded in evidence-based prevention approaches and cleverly leverage digital technologies such as smart-phone/tablet applications. Through the art of neurocognitive training, digital vaccines gently nudge positive human behavior, promoting healthier lifestyles and well-being. At their core, these expertly gamified digital interventions draw from a myriad of disciplines including neuroscience, psychology, Artificial Intelligence (AI), persuasive computing and behavioral economics. The result is not only an engaging experience but also a safe and low-risk method to dynamically modulate neuro-behavioral-physiological responses, providing a pathway to improved health and vitality.

Our Vision Unleashed: Inspiring Healthier Tomorrows

With a steadfast commitment to revolutionizing health outcomes, the digital vaccine project embraces the synergy of technology and gamification to craft evidence-based interventions that empower children with invaluable knowledge and transformative tools, steering them towards healthier lives. Guided by rigorous randomized controlled trials, machine learning, and statistical expertise, the project is dedicated to discerning impactful game play patterns, subtly shaping positive habits and behavior formation.

Our ultimate goal is to create a harmonious, sustainable, and scalable technology-driven solution, driving a profound reduction in the risk of lifestyle diseases and fostering a more resilient global community. Embracing the power of digital vaccines, we aspire to empower individuals during earlychildhood with the means to take charge of their well-being, contributing to a brighter and healthier future for all.     

Our Mission in Motion: Research Frontiers

Leading the Charge

remapadmansmall.jpgDr. Padman leads pioneering research in Digital Vaccines, a specialized branch of digital therapeutics aimed at promoting healthier lifestyle choices. As the Trustees Professor of Management Science and Healthcare Informatics at Carnegie Mellon University's esteemed Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy in Pittsburgh, she leads groundbreaking research at the forefront of healthcare technology. 

Her expertise has garnered recognition as an elected Fellow of the American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA), and she holds pivotal roles as the Thrust Leader of Healthcare Informatics Research at iLab and Research Area Director for Operations and Informatics at the Center for Health Analytics at Heinz College. With an adjunct professorship in the Department of Biomedical Informatics at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Dr. Padman possesses an extensive academic background, including a PhD in Operations Research from the University of Texas at Austin and a National Library of Medicine Senior Fellowship in Applied Informatics.

Driven by her passion for transformative healthcare solutions, Dr. Padman spearheads the Digital Vaccine research initiative. For those interested in delving deeper into this cutting-edge field or seeking opportunities for collaboration, Dr. Padman welcomes inquiries and can be reached at rpadman@cmu.edu