In this episode, I sit down with Dr. David Bard, Professor, Children’s Health Foundation Endowed Research Chair in Pediatrics, and the Chief Research Informatics Officer at OUHS, to unpack what it really takes to turn data into action in a state where health disparities run deep. Born in Oklahoma but raised across several states, Dr. Bard brings a uniquely flexible lens to his work at the intersection of psychology, quantitative science, informatics, and implementation. Together, we explore the realities of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), why real-world data is both messy and essential, and how Oklahoma’s rural and underserved communities shape the science in profound ways.

From geospatial tools to cross-agency data harmonization, from AI’s promise to its pitfalls, and from “don’t lean on me” mentoring philosophies to the wisdom of simple models, this episode is a masterclass in doing science that actually changes lives. What struck me most was his grounded leadership philosophy: ask questions, stay curious, and lean on the collective expertise around you. In an era of AI, silos, and data overload, that reminder felt like a breath of fresh air. So if you care about health equity, data, or the future of Oklahoma’s children and families, this episode is for you.

The GROklahoma Podcast is an initiative of the Oklahoma Shared Clinical and Translational Resources (OSCTR).