Informs Student Presentations

Time: 10:00am-11:00am October 10

Zoom information: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/my/isemain

Location: Durham 260

Title: Screening For Safe Opening Of Universities Under Omicron And Delta Variants Of Covid-19: When Less Is MoreHost

Presenter: Marie Jeanne Rabil , Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech

Abstract: As new COVID-19 variants emerge, and disease and population characteristics change, screening strategies may need to evolve. We develop screening strategies for the safe operation of college campuses, which can be customized based on population demographics and vaccination status. Our model considers co-circulating variants with different disease dynamics, and variant- and dose-dependent vaccine efficacy, and provides multidimensional metrics on infections/hospitalizations/deaths; peak daily hospitalizations; and the tests required. Using the Spring 2022 academic semester as a case study, we provide key guidelines on effective and efficient routine screening strategies.

Bio: Marie Jeanne is a 3rd year PhD student working under the supervision of Sait Tunc, Ebru Bish and Douglas Bish. Her research interest is in the field of Operations Research in Healthcare. She previously obtained a Bachelor's degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the American University of Beirut.