Rhema Vaithianathan

Rhema Vaithianathan is a Professor of Health Economics at Auckland University of Technology and the Co-Founder and Director of the Centre for Social Data Analytics (CSDA). She is recognized for her use of big data and predictive modeling technologies to address social challenges, particularly in child protection, public health, housing, and education. She led the development of globally acclaimed tools, such as the Allegheny Family Screening Tool for child protection and the Douglas County decision-support tool. Rhema's research focuses on social good, using data analytics to improve the conditions of vulnerable populations. She holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Auckland and was a Harkness Fellow at Harvard University. Her international research and collaborations have informed policy and decision-making in multiple countries.

• 2016–Present·Auckland University of Technology·Professor of Health Economics, Director of the Centre for Social Data Analytics
  • Established and led the Centre for Social Data Analytics, focusing on solving social issues through data science.
• 2009–2013·University of Auckland·Associate Professor
  • Conducted research in the fields of health economics and social policy.
• 2007–2008·Harvard Medical School·Harkness Fellow
  • Worked on research projects related to health insurance and cost growth.
• 2000–2009·Australian National University and University of Auckland·Researcher and Lecturer
  • Conducted academic research in health economics and data analytics.

• 2000·University of Auckland·PhD
  • Focus: Economic incentives and clinical decision-making.
• 1995·University of Auckland·Master's Degree (First-Class Honors)
  • Major: Economics.
• 1989·University of Auckland·Bachelor's Degree
  • Major: Economics.