Basim Aljohani has completed his Master of Science Thesis in the Epstein Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, under the direction of CREATE Director Randolph Hall. His thesis, “Optimizing the Selection of COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Centers and Allocation Quantities," incorporates vulnerability indices and transportation accessibility to promote health equity. The model was used to analyze 277 zip codes within Los Angeles County, examining their potential as vaccine distribution centers. The model incorporates transportation by car and public transit, along with car ownership rates. Three scenarios were explored, where each zip code is assigned priority based on population, the Healthy Places Index, or a Vulnerability to COVID-19 index. The output showed significant improvements in reducing average travel times and distances as well as savings in costs when compared to the actual selected sites within the County.
Posted August 1, 2023