Public Biography
My research integrates quantitative and qualitative methods from medical informatics, health systems engineering, human factors engineering, and cultural anthropology to characterize patients' home and community environments and to design and evaluate clinical and consumer informatics interventions based upon these assessments. My research has a specific focus on underserved populations, including populations that are racial/ethnic minorities, are of low socioeconomic status, or are living with physical, sensory, or cognitive disabilities. A complementary research interest is in methodological development for the fields listed above.
Historic ACMI Biography
As an engineer Dr. Valdez researches the optimal fit between informatics, user, and context. She especially looks at designing for disabled patients, involving them as co-designers, based on thorough academic expertise and skills, and lived experience. With many accolades, she published 60+ peer-reviewed papers and secured over $8M in grants.