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Daniel O'Brien
Associate Professor of Public Policy and Urban Affairs and Criminology and Criminal Justice; Director, Boston Area Research Initiative

Daniel O’Brien in the Press

Daniel O’Brien for Northeastern Global News

To understand the next pandemic, we must understand our own collective behavior — these researchers want to be ready
A collective behavior map.

To understand the next pandemic, we must understand our own collective behavior — these researchers want to be ready

Northeastern researchers are studying collective behavior to improve epidemic models and help make better decisions in future pandemics.
How can cities use AI? These professors are creating guidelines for how artificial intelligence could be used for public interest
Skyline view of Boston.

How can cities use AI? These professors are creating guidelines for how artificial intelligence could be used for public interest

Northeastern University’s Boston Area Research Initiative received a grant to partner with local Boston organizations to study AI.
Imagine leading a city through a pandemic and mass protests. Now imagine doing it from home.

Imagine leading a city through a pandemic and mass protests. Now imagine doing it from home.

Three mayors and one town manager in Massachusetts have had to do just that since February. Now, these leaders are thinking about ways to strengthen their communities after COVID-19.
Northeastern University researchers find little evidence for ‘broken windows theory,’ say neighborhood disorder doesn’t cause crime

Northeastern University researchers find little evidence for ‘broken windows theory,’ say neighborhood disorder doesn’t cause crime

Northeastern researchers have found that broken windows and other signs of disorder don’t cause people to break the law.
Algorithms can lead to more efficient public transit. Here’s how you may already be helping.

Algorithms can lead to more efficient public transit. Here’s how you may already be helping.

Interactions with the Transit app provide a massive amount of data about how riders use the app and navigate the transit system.
Here’s what happened when Boston tried to assign students good schools close to home

Here’s what happened when Boston tried to assign students good schools close to home

The shortage of top-quality schools in certain Boston neighborhoods has undercut the city’s bold efforts to provide access to good schools close to home, according to a new study led by a Northeastern University-based research center.