Dr Alba Olivares Nadal

I am an academic with strong roots in the intersection between theoretical and applied mathematics, analytics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) methods. Since I obtained my PhD in Mathematics in September 2016, I have held various international roles. I’ve been a Postdoctoral Researcher at The University of Chicago Booth School of Business and at the University of Zurich, and I was an Assistant Professor at the University Pablo de Olavide (UPO) in Spain. I have also spent extended periods visiting the London Business School. My experiences at different universities have provided me with unique research and educational perspectives, international collaborators, and varied tools, which together have shaped my academic identity. Leveraging these diverse experiences, my innate curiosity and my passion for generating social impact I produce novel research fostering social good.

Currently, my research spans several exciting areas:

• Healthcare: I devise AI methods that leverage extensive datasets to assist doctors in enhancing their decision-making capabilities. For instance, I work with Booth and The University of Chicago Medical Centre (UCM) to evaluate and improve the impact of UCM's Care Management Program. Through my nonprofit Math 4 Change I work developing interpretable rules for predicting the inefficacy of tuberculosis first-line treatment in Mozambique, providing doctors with useful decision-support tools to combat this disease. Still in Mozambique, I am applying AI to unravel the determinants of low birth weight in newborns in Quelimane, potentially providing critical insights for medical interventions
• Responsible Supply Chain Management: I develop innovative AI methods and algorithms to enable responsible decision-making in supply chains. For example, I collaborate with industry to tailor and apply AI methods to mitigate food waste through optimized inventory decisions. I also work with a startup to deliver AI solutions that promote inclusivity and body positivity by providing women with a broad selection of undergarments that fit both their unique body shape and their preferences, underscoring the transformative potential of research in social norms and self-perception.
• Assessing and combating biases: I analyze large datasets to evaluate biases in human or AI-driven decisions, and I propose new AI methods to alleviate these. For example, I analyze the fairness of judicial proceedings and aim to provide equitable legal insights to support organizations aiding vulnerable communities.

You can find more information about me and my projects on my personal webpage.