Benjamin Jacob, PhD

Associate Professor, Department of Biostatistics and Data Science

Contact Info

• Office: CPH 119
• Academic Email: bjacob1@usf.edu
• Academic Phone: (813) 974-9784
• View My C.V.

Education

Discipline

Health and Geographical Information System

Specialization

• Spatial Modeling

Biography

Dr. Jacob joined the University of South Florida faculty on June 1, 2011. He currently serves as a Research Associate Professor in the Department of Biostatistics and Data Science. Dr. Jacob has authored over 100 peer-reviewed research articles and has been involved in multiple local and international research projects. Dr. Jacob’s pioneering work in AI-infused geospatial public health intelligence, including his patented convolutional neural network smartphone app developed at USF, demonstrates innovative approaches to managing and analyzing large-scale, geo-located environmental and health data. Having local, regional and global impact, his expertise has directly contributed to the optimization of long-standing vector control programs across multiple African nations, showcasing the real-world impact of coordinated Earth observation and data stewardship. His contributions pertaining to tech infrastructure and spatial statistical methodologies are highly adaptable and offer valuable insights for advancing cross-sectoral collaboration and data governance in global public health. Dr. Jacob currently serves as a statistical reviewer for 7 mathematical and 3 AI remote sensing journals. Dr. Jacob has taught a wide range of graduate-level courses, including Introductory and Advanced Public Health GIS and Python analytics.