He supports research activities across Global Health research sites in Malawi, Zambia, Nicaragua, Vietnam, and China. As Director for Global Health Systems, he has created and managed IT systems between UNC Chapel Hill and in-country offices of the IGHID. Through efficient and thoughtful planning of infrastructure, establishing and training a team of proficient ICT technicians, and constant monitoring of growth, Michael has helped achieve a critical element of contemporary research, reliable, sustainable and secure information technology systems.
Michael’s principal focus has been to further expand the platform of technology in resource-limited settings. Across all sites, his team works to improve ICT capacity, writing thorough SOPs in response to new technological tools brought in to suit the needs of investigators and improve study success. He builds data collection tools that ensure data are collected, managed, and reported securely and accurately. Such tools include Open Data Kit (ODK), RedCap and other in-house tools using the Microsoft SQL platform for the databases. He ensures that all principle investigators and their research teams have access to their data using shared network resources at the university, like OneDrive and Network Access Servers. Data are transmitted from in-country servers to various locations to allow the access that is controlled using the UNC access policy that is restricted only to those approved by IRB.
He has been instrumental in researching, testing, and introducing new ways of communication with collaborators in North America using emerging technologies that were more suitable for a low-income resource setting with minimal bandwidth and support staff. He implemented a web filter that allows the UNCPM site to utilize minimal bandwidth and subsequently introduction of an electronic e-signing system, better audio/video conference, and improve e-learning abilities for all the employees.
