As the U.S. veteran population continues to age, the long-term effects of military service are coming into sharper focus—particularly when it comes to chronic illnesses like arthritis. For Adetayo Folasole, a health data analyst and researcher, uncovering these hidden patterns is more than academic—it’s a mission rooted in public health equity.
In a recent study presented at the Appalachian Student Research Forum, Folasole and his collaborators examined over 18,000 survey responses to explore the prevalence and contributing factors of arthritis among veterans in the Appalachian region. The findings were striking: nearly 40% of respondents reported arthritis diagnoses—significantly higher than the national average.
“Many people associate arthritis with aging, but veterans face unique physical stressors that make them more vulnerable,” Folasole explains. “From joint trauma during service to limited post-service healthcare access, the risk compounds over time.”
The study found that age, income level, marital status, and mental health indicators such as depression and general health perception were significantly correlated with arthritis prevalence. Interestingly, being overweight or obese was associated with lower odds of reporting arthritis, a finding Folasole attributes to the unique lifestyle and activity profiles of veterans—though he cautions against overgeneralization.
For Folasole, who has worked in both clinical and manufacturing data environments, the work bridges two passions: solving real-world health problems and making data actionable. At Cepheid, he uses machine learning and automation to improve the quality and reliability of diagnostic tests, ensuring that frontline clinicians can trust the tools they use.
“Whether it’s predicting heart disease with Python models or analyzing arthritis trends using SAS,” he says, “the goal is the same—empowering better decisions with better data.”
With advanced degrees in information systems and electrical engineering, multiple peer-reviewed publications, and professional experience across three continents, Folasole is part of a new wave of data scientists blending technical precision with a public health lens.
“Data is more than numbers,” he says. “It’s a mirror of our collective health. And when we look carefully, we find opportunities to improve lives