Save the Date: MAC/SACC Lecture Series

Dr. Dan O’Brien: Spatial Analysis with Big Data

We are pleased to announce an upcoming lecture and workshop led by Dr. Dan O’Brien, a distinguished scholar in the fields of urban informatics, public policy, and criminology. Dr. O’Brien’s work at the intersection of data science and community-oriented research has garnered national recognition, and this is an exceptional opportunity to engage with cutting-edge research that applies big data to urban challenges.

Event Details

Book Talk:
Date: March 4, 2025
Time: 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Location: To be announced

Workshop:
Date: March 5, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: GEOG Conference Room

About Dr. Dan O'Brien

Dr. Dan O’Brien is Associate Professor of Public Policy and Urban Affairs, and Criminology and Criminal Justice at Northeastern University. He is also the Director of the Boston Area Research Initiative (BARI), a premier research center that pioneers the use of digital data to inform urban policy and enhance community well-being.

Dr. O’Brien’s research focuses on leveraging large-scale datasets to address a wide range of urban issues including crime, education, transportation, public health, and climate resilience. His work often emphasizes the intersection of data science and social equity, aiming to improve the quality of life in cities. His book, The Urban Commons (Harvard University Press, 2018), received the American Political Science Association’s Dennis Judd Best Book Award for urban and local politics. Dr. O’Brien’s recent textbook, Urban Informatics (CRC Press, 2022), is freely available online and used in urban informatics programs around the world.

In addition to his academic work, Dr. O’Brien has designed and directed programs that support the application of urban informatics, including BARI’s annual conference, which connects researchers, policymakers, and community organizations.