Faculty Highlight: Dr. Michael Anderson, PhD

For Dr. Michael Anderson, PhD, public health is where data meets real-world impact and where statistics can directly improve lives.

Dr. Anderson’s path into public health began in an unexpected place: an introductory statistics course. While he didn’t initially envision statistics as a career, he quickly recognized the power of data-driven decision-making. “It was the ability to use evidence and mathematical frameworks to determine what works better and why,” he said. That realization drew him deeper into statistics, but it was public health that ultimately gave his work purpose.

After training in a traditional statistics department, Dr. Anderson found himself answering questions that, while important, didn’t fully satisfy his desire to make a tangible difference. Public health changed that. “In public health, what I do with statistics can be immediately translated into quality of life,” he explained. From improving pediatric health outcomes to supporting earlier clinical interventions, his work allows data to inform decisions that protect and improve lives.

Innovating Grant Seeking using AI

That same drive for impact led Dr. Anderson to develop an AI-enabled Funding Matcher Tool, now available to HCOPH faculty and staff via the College intranet. The idea was born out of his own experiences navigating the fragmented landscape of grant-seeking.

“I was bouncing between grants.gov, PCORI, the Department of Defense, and other sites, typing in keywords and hoping something stuck,” he said. “With AI’s ability to interpret meaning and not just keywords, I knew there had to be a better way.”

The web-based tool allows users to input research interests, publication titles, abstracts, or even their faculty bio. The AI then scans funding announcements across multiple sources and returns opportunities that align with the researcher’s work, along with a relevance score indicating the strength of the match.

“The goal is to quickly give faculty access to the right funding opportunities,” Dr. Anderson said. “Instead of trial and error with keywords, you can say, ‘Here’s who I am as a researcher,’ and let the AI do the heavy lifting.”

Dr. Anderson hopes the tool will help faculty pursue grants that closely align with their interests, increasing both productivity and success. “Ultimately, I hope it brings in more funding and gives more faculty the chance to serve as PIs and steer their own research,” he shared.

He also envisions this tool as part of a growing suite of AI-powered resources designed to remove common administrative barriers in grant preparation and allow faculty more time to focus on ideas, collaboration, and impact.

Faculty are encouraged to explore the Funding Matcher Tool on the HCOPH intranet and share feedback directly with Dr. Anderson as the tool continues to evolve.

Teaching with Energy and Real-World Connection

Beyond research, Dr. Anderson is deeply passionate about teaching and mentoring students. His classroom is anything but passive. Students toss coins, roll dice, analyze Powerball odds, and explore probability through hands-on activities that make abstract concepts tangible.

“Probability doesn’t always click right away,” he said. “So, we simulate it, play games, and bring in real-world examples. It opens learning and makes it fun for them and for me.”

That engagement doesn’t stop when class ends. Dr. Anderson prides himself on being accessible to students, fostering an open-door environment where curiosity and conversation thrive.

Life Beyond the Classroom

Outside of work, Dr. Anderson’s world revolves around family. He and his wife have six children, and much of his free time is spent cheering at games, attending meets, and shuttling kids to practices. He also enjoys DIY projects, working on cars with his kids, racquetball, and keeping up with the Oklahoma City Thunder basketball.

When asked what keeps him motivated, his answer is simple and heartfelt: “My family, my faith, and the opportunity to do meaningful work every day.”

At Hudson College of Public Health, Dr. Anderson exemplifies how innovation, mentorship, and mission-driven research can come together to create lasting impact, powered by both data and heart.