Sofia is an Associate Professor at the Network Science Institute at Northeastern University London. Her research lies at the crossroads of Network Science and Machine Learning, where she develops tools and models to understand the structure and behavior of complex systems in social sciences, public health, neuroscience, and more. She is interested in studying collective behavior, risk perception, the impact of relationships on environments, as well as understanding neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders.
In addition to her research, Sofia is an active leader in the scientific community, serving on the Executive Committee of the Network Science Society, the Council of the Complex Systems Society, and she is the General Secretary of the Women in Network ScienceSociety. Sofia joined NetSI in summer of 2024 and we spoke with her to learn about her work and the exciting research she plans to pursue at her new academic home on the NU London campus.
Q. What is the current focus of your research?
A. My research focuses on developing computational tools and models to understand the interconnectedness between human behavior and health. My recent work includes studies on suicide ideation, brain connectivity, multimorbidity patterns, HIV prevention strategies, and social polarization dynamics. Currently, I am exploring how individual behaviors and decision-making processes impact collective phenomena, in particular in social dynamics and epidemic spreading. This involves examining the stability of social networks and how relationships influence risk perception and the adoption of healthcare strategies. I also investigate mental and brain health by analyzing individual narratives and brain connectivity, with potential applications in cognitive fingerprinting (which, similarly to physical fingerprints, is unique to each person) and neurodegenerative disorder prognosis. My work aims to create models that reflect real-world complexities and inform policy and targeted interventions.
Q. Why are these research segments interesting to you?
A. The magic of network science lies in its ability to model complex questions from various perspectives, providing a clear visual and an explainable framework. This holistic approach helps us understand how micro-level interactions shape macro-level outcomes. Our decisions and behaviors, shaped by factors like our mental and physical health, influence our lives. By exploring how relationships and behaviors adapt based on information, examining cognitive profiles linked to mental health, and studying the interplay between brain structure and function, we can improve both our quality of life and the environment around us.
Q. You joined NetSI in August 2024. What motivated your decision to become part of the NetSI team?
A. I joined NetSI because it offers strong institutional and infrastructure support, as well as a vibrant, interdisciplinary community. As a computer scientist, my research spans from theoretical to applied work, and NetSI gives me the privilege of engaging with leading experts from various fields. To push the boundaries of network science, we need to think beyond a single discipline, and I believe the institute provides the ideal environment to do that. Its strong global network offers a unique opportunity to accelerate my research and to experience diverse and thriving environments. For our work to have real-world impact, it’s essential to be in an environment that stimulates, complements, and challenges us – and that’s precisely what I anticipate from joining NetSI. Plus, the community is incredibly supportive and really focused on helping its members grow.
Q. What would a dream discovery in your research look like?
A. A unifying computational framework that models how interconnected aspects of human health and behavior influence each other would be a dream discovery for me. Ideally, we would access data (while preserving privacy) on people's health and social environments, including social networks and economic conditions, allowing us to build models that can anticipate, signal, or prevent conditions like segregation, marginalization, depression, and anxiety. This holistic approach could lead to more personalized treatments and help address vulnerabilities that increase exposure to harmful circumstances.
Q. Who, or what, got you interested in network science in the first place?
A. I always had a problem-solving mindset, looking out for ways to interconnect pieces that could provide an efficient solution to a given problem. It was, however, during myPhD that my interest in network science began through my early work in graph theory and network analysis. The ability to model complex systems as networks, and study their properties fascinated me. The fact that this approach could be applied to so many different fields made it an even more exciting and versatile research tool.
Q. What is the source of your inspiration?
A. Our daily lives. Every day we make decisions that shape our lives. Some are more rational, some more emotional. We balance our personal perceptions with the information we absorb from our environment, and all while these factors influence how we feel both physically and emotionally. This, in turn, affects our relationships and decisions. I’m curious to understand what differentiates us from one another, while also recognizing that we share so many common traits on a global scale.
Q. If you could, who would you like to work with on a project?
A. The first person that comes to my mind is Marie Curie. Not only do I look up to her as a researcher and an example of determination and resilience, but also, I admire her for her strength with all the challenges she must have faced as a woman in a male dominated world, plus all the loss and grief she went through. I would be so curious to share an interdisciplinary project with her sharp mind.
