Introduction
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing healthcare. Researchers across the country now use AI tools to improve patient outcomes, analyze health data, and address long-standing inequities. At the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (UH Mānoa), one researcher is stepping into that national conversation. Jinyoung Jenny Lee, a faculty member at the UH Mānoa Center on Aging (COA), has earned a spot in a highly competitive NIH-funded AI training program. Her selection highlights both her individual expertise and UH Mānoa’s growing role in health equity research.
About the AIM-AHEAD FHIR Program
What Is AIM-AHEAD?
The NIH funds the Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning–Advancing Health Equity and Researcher Diversity (AIM-AHEAD) program. Its goal is clear: build AI and machine learning capacity among researchers who work with underserved communities. The program focuses on equity, infrastructure, and practical application.
How FHIR Fits In
The program also incorporates Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR). FHIR sets the technical standards for secure electronic health data exchange. Together, AIM-AHEAD and FHIR create a framework that allows researchers and clinicians to use AI tools responsibly and effectively within real healthcare systems.
Program Goals
The program trains researchers and clinicians to apply AI and machine learning in healthcare settings. It also strengthens infrastructure in community organizations and health systems. Furthermore, it supports multidisciplinary projects that directly improve health outcomes. Lee’s acceptance into this cohort reflects strong competition and a clear alignment between her work and the program’s mission.
Jenny Lee’s Research at UH Mānoa
A Public Health Foundation
Lee earned her PhD in public health from UH Mānoa. Since then, she has built a research portfolio that combines data analytics with community service. Her work focuses on program evaluation — measuring whether health interventions actually work and who they reach. She brings both technical precision and a community-centered perspective to every project.
Integration of Technology
From early in her career at the COA, Lee integrated technology into her research methods. She designs dashboards and data tools that make complex findings easy to understand. Her approach bridges the gap between academic research and practical community use. This skill set directly aligns with the AIM-AHEAD program’s goals.
Turning Data Into Community Tools
The StoryMaps Project
One of Lee’s most impactful projects is the StoryMaps web page. This interactive, user-friendly resource provides detailed demographic information about Hawaiʻi’s aging population, known locally as kūpuna. Community organizations, policymakers, and health professionals use it to understand trends and plan services.
Dashboard Design for Community Organizations
Lee also designs intuitive dashboards based on data she collects and analyzes through evaluation work. These tools help partner organizations track their own performance and communicate results to funders and stakeholders. They translate raw numbers into clear, actionable insights.
Lee’s Vision
“Through my participation in the AIM-AHEAD training program, I hope not only to increase my knowledge and awareness of AI/ML but also to help empower individuals and communities in the practical applications of this emerging and powerful technology,” Lee said. Her goal extends beyond personal development. She wants to bring what she learns back to the communities she serves.
AI and Health Equity: The Bigger Picture
Why Representation in AI Matters
AI tools trained on limited or non-representative data can reinforce health disparities. Programs like AIM-AHEAD address this problem directly. They recruit researchers from diverse backgrounds and community contexts. As a result, the AI tools developed are more likely to serve all populations fairly.
Hawaiʻi’s Unique Position
Hawaiʻi has a diverse, multicultural population with unique aging trends. The state also faces geographic challenges that affect healthcare access. Researchers like Lee bring a perspective that national AI programs need. Their work ensures that AI-driven healthcare solutions remain relevant for Pacific Island and Native Hawaiian communities.
Looking Ahead
Lee expressed enthusiasm about the program’s potential. “Given AI’s current and future impact on our population’s health, I’m excited to have been selected for this multidisciplinary cohort to learn about accelerating and sustaining the adoption of AI in healthcare and research settings,” she said. Her participation opens new possibilities for the COA and for the communities it serves.
Conclusion
Jinyoung Jenny Lee’s selection for the NIH AIM-AHEAD FHIR program marks a significant milestone for UH Mānoa’s Center on Aging. Her expertise in data analytics, program evaluation, and community tool development makes her an ideal candidate. Moreover, her commitment to health equity aligns perfectly with the program’s mission. As AI continues to shape the future of healthcare, researchers like Lee ensure that future includes everyone.
This research was funded in part by the National Institutes of Health Agreement No. 1OT2OD032581. The Center on Aging is part of the Thompson School of Social Work and Public Health at UH Mānoa.
