Meet PLOS ONE Author Carrie Dolan

Carrie Dolan is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Health Sciences at William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia..

What first drew you to your field of research?

My experience as a Peace Corps Volunteer drew me into my field of research. Through my Peace Corps project I learned how epidemiological methods could be used to target limited resources for HIV prevention. In particular, I became fascinated with the power of visualizing data through maps. In my work I use maps as a tool to monitor subnational program coverage over time and improve health program delivery. I can use a geographic information system to combine existing data and then communicate the results to a wide audience including local program managers, Ministers of Health, academics and funders. I also like that my work lies at the intersection between economics, public health, government, and geography. A multidisciplinary approach is necessary in order to systematically identify gaps in current prevention programs.

The impact of an insecticide treated bednet campaign on all-cause child mortality: A geospatial impact evaluation from the Democratic Republic of Congo

– PLOS ONE, February 2019

What is your particular area of research, and why is it important?

My work systematically identifies gaps in public health resources allocation. Specifically, in where health aid is allocated and within the context of effectiveness, efficiency, and equity. My work is important because it links data on where programs are located with data on where programs are needed which can be used to enhance public health program delivery.

How do you think signed and published peer review might impact scientific communication?

I think signed peer review will help legitimize the peer review process as a scholarly output instead of a service commitment. It will also encourage researchers to participate in a more thoughtful process and can provide a valuable contribution to the studies scientific record.