Hunter Tsao is a recent graduate from Brown University, where he earned an Sc.B in Applied Mathematics-Biology with Honors and magna cum laude. During his time at Brown, Hunter’s research focused on developing machine learning models in spatial dermatoepidemiology to understand differences in barriers to dermatologic care throughout the United States. His work culminated in an honors thesis that used explainable AI to understand where melanoma incidence rates are driven primarily by biological risk versus healthcare infrastructure. During his summers, he developed machine learning models at Massachusetts General Hospital to understand and predict acute cardiac deterioration. Outside of research, Hunter served as president of the Brown Entrepreneurship Program, where he led efforts to develop international collaborations, worked directly with student founders, and managed an organization of over 300 members. He also produced music electronically with pediatric psychiatry patients as a form of music therapy – a passion he hopes to continue in Greece.

As a Fulbright Fellow, Hunter will work with Andreas Syggros Hospital, a public dermatology hospital in Athens. There, he will build machine learning models to understand geographic disparities in access to dermatologic care and skin care outcomes, ultimately working to identify the highest-risk populations and greatest barriers to care. For melanoma, early detection is critical for survival, and the disease can be inconspicuous until it is advanced. With over 100 inhabited islands in Greece, many patients may face severe travel burdens or challenges in accessing care. Hunter’s work will further ongoing efforts in Greece to reduce the burden of skin cancer and develop targeted interventions with precision public health. In his free time, Hunter loves trying new restaurants, playing soccer, and producing music. He looks forward to immersing himself in the vibrant Athens culture and exploring the beautiful scenery throughout Greece.