Eye on the Y: Life sciences seminar explores AI Integration in healthcare, BYU Plant Genetic Resources Lab fights global protein malnutrition and BYU College of Nursing welcomes new full-time faculty member

Professor Jared Parrish teaches students about insights into applying AI to public health. Parrish visited the Life Sciences Building on Jan. 15 to deliver his message. (Megan Mulliner)

Life sciences seminar explores AI Integration in maternal and child healthcare

Professor Jared Parrish spoke to BYU students on Jan. 15 about applying artificial intelligence and data science to maternal and child health.

Parrish, a BYU alumnus turned maternal health epidemiologist, explained to students how a tablet-based screening app he developed can identify early risk factors in pregnant mothers. He emphasized how the development of AI has benefited this industry.

Professor Rick Jellen breeds quinoa to withstand harsh weather conditions. BYU student researchers developed this quinoa as a protein-rich food source for countries around the world. (Tanner Frost)

BYU Plant Genetic Resources Lab: Faith-fueled research for a hungry world

Professor Rick Jellen is leading a long-term research project adapting quinoa for harsh environments to fight global protein malnutrition.

Jellen started his project in 2000 in Morocco, where he bred quinoa to withstand the environmental conditions of lowland, semi-desert regions. This quinoa has helped nations who have previously moved away from protein-rich crops to regain this much-needed nutrition. Students in BYU's plant genetics resources lab continue this work.

Scott Crepeau is a new member of the BYU College of Nursing faculty. He graduated from the BYU nursing program in 2017. (Courtesy of Scott Crepeau)

Try, try again: Welcoming Professor Scott Crepeau

This semester, the BYU College of Nursing is welcoming Professor Scott Crepeau as a new full-time faculty member.

Though Professor Crepeau's journey to nursing was not easy, he hopes his unique experience will help current BYU students. Crepeau applied several times to both BYU and the nursing program before getting accepted. He graduated from the BYU College of Nursing in 2017 and feels his experiences of failing and trying again will help those he teaches.