Exploring Agent-Based Modeling for Complex Policy Challenges with Sherwin Brown

In this episode of The Flux, host John Cordier, CEO at Epistemix, interviews Sherwin Brown from MITRE. Sherwin shares his journey into agent-based modeling, starting from his background in health management and policy. He discusses the role of data science and analytics in solving complex problems, such as monitoring the impact of the Affordable Care Act and tackling issues like homelessness and opioid overdoses. Sherwin emphasizes the importance of visual storytelling in agent-based modeling and its potential to support decision-making in policy contexts. The episode also highlights the importance of community and curiosity in the field of agent-based modeling.

00:00 Introduction to The Flux Podcast

00:45 Meet Sherwin Brown from MITRE

00:59 Sherwin's Journey into Agent-Based Modeling

01:59 Affordable Care Act and Data Science Competitions

02:21 Exploring Natural Language Processing

04:04 Agent-Based Modeling in Policy Making

05:54 Complex Relationship Between Homelessness and Opioid Overdoses

07:04 Complex Social Systems Society Conference

08:05 Future of Agent-Based Modeling

09:11 Advice for Students Interested in Agent-Based Modeling

10:17 Closing Remarks