Bridging data analytics and public health for stronger community outcomes
Pooja Shelke shared how she integrates epidemiological science with advanced data analytics to enhance disease surveillance and community health. She emphasised the importance of regulatory compliance, community engagement, and evidence-based interventions in public health practice
From Lowell, Massachusetts, Pooja Shelke brings a rare combination of epidemiological expertise and data analytics to the forefront of public health. With dual master’s degrees—an MPH in Epidemiology from the University of Massachusetts Lowell and an MS in Analytics from Harrisburg University—Shelke is reshaping how communities approach disease surveillance and health assessments.
“My passion lies in turning complex data into clear, actionable public health strategies,” she says. “That’s where science meets service.”
Over the years, Shelke has built a robust portfolio of work across outbreak investigations, statistical modelling, and community health improvement. She credits her success to a structured, priority-driven approach. “I start by understanding the urgency and the community’s specific health needs,” she explains. “That helps me break complex projects into manageable parts and ensure we stay aligned with local health goals.”
This method has been instrumental in her collaboration with Local Boards of Health, where she supports municipalities in disease tracking and intervention planning. “Partnership is everything in public health,” she notes. “The most successful initiatives are the ones built through transparent collaboration and trust.”
Shelke is well aware of the regulatory hurdles that come with health data. Ensuring HIPAA compliance and navigating state and federal frameworks are everyday challenges. “It’s critical to maintain scientific integrity while staying compliant,” she says. “I document meticulously and work closely with regulatory bodies to streamline approvals without compromising ethics.”
To measure the impact of her work, Shelke relies on a range of performance indicators—case detection rates, contact tracing completion, system responsiveness, and community outcome data. “Community feedback also matters deeply,” she adds. “Success is more than numbers—it’s about whether people feel informed, supported, and healthier.”
As Co-founder and President of the Massachusetts Epidemiology Collaborative and a Board Member of the Massachusetts Health Officers Association, Shelke is also a committed advocate for advancing the profession. “Epidemiology is evolving rapidly,” she observes. “AI-driven outbreak prediction, real-time surveillance tech, and GIS innovations are changing how we prevent and respond to health threats.”
Her academic research, including work on occupational exposures and Alzheimer’s biomarkers, reflects a commitment to scientific rigor and relevance. She is especially invested in integrating social determinants into public health analysis. “Data without context isn’t enough,” she says. “We must understand the broader systems that affect community health.”
Looking ahead, Shelke envisions deeper community engagement and more participatory research. “People are at the heart of public health,” she emphasises. “When we listen to communities and work with them—not just for them—that’s when lasting change happens.”
