Howard S Burkom

Title: Howard S. Burkom: Innovator in Bio-Surveillance Technologies

Introduction

Howard S. Burkom is a notable inventor based in Baltimore, MD (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of bio-surveillance through his innovative techniques aimed at early detection of biological threats. With a total of 2 patents, Burkom's work is instrumental in enhancing public health safety.

Latest Patents

Burkom's latest patents include "Techniques for early detection of localized exposure to an agent active on a biological population." This invention involves collecting time series data from multiple locations and data types relevant for detecting exposure to biological agents. The method generates measures of anomalous conditions based on these time series and employs cluster analysis to estimate the location and extent of effects from the agent. This technique is crucial for surveillance systems to effectively identify localized outbreaks without overwhelming resources.

Another significant patent is the "Method and system for bio-surveillance detection and alerting." This system utilizes a background estimation algorithm to subtract noise from relevant data sets, such as over-the-counter sales and absenteeism data. By modeling the effects of hypothetical anomalous events, the system creates replica data that can be matched against real-time data to trigger alarms for potential bio-terrorist attacks. The integration of a Geographical Information System (GIS) allows for detailed data visualization at the zip code level.

Career Highlights

Howard S. Burkom is affiliated with Johns Hopkins University, where he continues to advance research in bio-surveillance. His work is characterized by a commitment to improving public health responses through innovative technology.

Collaborations

Burkom collaborates with esteemed colleagues, including Joseph S. Lombardo and Fernando J. Pineda, to further enhance the effectiveness of bio-surveillance systems.

Conclusion

Howard S. Burkom's contributions to bio-surveillance technology exemplify the critical role of innovation in public health. His patents reflect a deep understanding of data analysis and its application in real-world scenarios, ultimately aiming to protect communities from biological threats.