Using AI to improve the environmental and nutritional efficacy of food subsidies
Food consumption is a key lever for enhancing human health and environmental sustainability on earth. Our goal in this research is to better understand and find effective approaches to jointly alleviate malnutrition and climate-change outcomes in developing countries. In-kind food subsidies are a primary policy intervention in economically underprivileged communities. However, despite the proven efficacy of machine learning and data analytics in various industries, these technologies have not been widely adopted to enhance the design and impact of such subsidies. We aim to bridge this gap: this study develops a method to design nutrition- and climate-targeted food programs i.e., we algorithmically decide which foods to subsidize to maximize the nutrition value and minimize the carbon footprint of a subsidy program. This project builds on extensive field data collection in an underserved community in India, which comprises a randomized controlled trial, collection of large-scale point-of-sale transaction data, and survey data. Our methodology will combine a predictive choice model based on machine learning techniques and an optimization algorithm. Through this research, we aim to offer policymakers a tangible, data-driven pathway to refine food subsidy schemes, achieving healthier populations and a reduced carbon footprint.
The undergraduate RA is expected to have strong proficiency in coding, and basic understanding of statistics and/or econometrics.
Research Assistant(s) for Primate Video Data Collection
Dr. Jones is looking for 1-2 reliable, collaborative, and organized students to assist with a project examining gorilla tool use. Students will learn to identify individual gorillas housed (or previously housed) at Zoo Atlanta, and use behavioral coding software (Noldus Observer) and will collect data from video footage of gorillas using tools for a few hours a week. In addition, students will attend regular meetings with Dr. Jones, and may be asked to read related articles, and complete related tasks/assignments.
Philadelphia Zoo Primate Research Assistant(s)
Dr. Caroline Jones is accepting applications for undergraduate research assistants to collect primate behavioral data at the Philadelphia Zoo from January to May 2025. Students will learn to use ZooMonitor software to record behaviors of white-handed gibbons (Hylobates lar).
Atmospheric Chemistry
Atmospheric Chemistry of Earth, the Planets, and their Satellites