MIF Summer Series presents - Research in Vaccine Distribution

When:  Aug 26, 2022 from 01:00 to 02:00 (ET)
1st Topic:
Insights from a hypothetically coordinated pediatric vaccine market: Making vaccines more affordable and profitable.

In this presentation, we share the results of an OR-based study exploring how multiple factors affect affordability and profit for a hypothetically coordinated global vaccine market. Insights from this study suggest innovative ways of procuring pediatric vaccines that could increase their accessibility for low-income and lower-middle-income countries. The findings challenge market dynamics currently used in the global vaccine market.

Speaker: Ruben Proano, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Rochester Institute of Technology

Bio: 
Dr. Proano is an Associate Professor at the Rochester Institute of Technology. His work revolves around the application of OR to healthcare problems. He is interested in market design and the solution to supply chain issues that can make pediatric vaccines more affordable and profitable and support the mission of multi-lateral aid organizations. He has also done work on healthcare scheduling problems and medical reimbursement strategies. Dr. Proano has been an INFORMS member since 2008 and served as President of the Minorities Issues Forum between 2020-2021.

2nd Topic:
Optimization of Pediatric Vaccines Distribution Network Configuration under Uncertainty.

We create supply chain network design and distribution models to address the unique characteristics and challenges facing vaccine supply chains in Low and Middle Income countries.

Speaker: Zahra Azadi, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Miami Business School

Bio:
Zahra Azadi is an Assistant Professor of Professional Practice for Operations Management, at University of Miami Herbert Business School. Zahra holds a Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering from Clemson University. Her research has focused on developing large scale stochastic optimization models and solution algorithms in healthcare. She is interested in vaccine supply chain design and inventory management with the goal of maximizing immunization coverage around the world. Dr. Azadi has been an INFORMS member since 2013 and served as the Vice President of Events for MIF during 2019-2021.