David Coomes
Seattle
Summary
Epidemiologist and Data Scientist with expertise in observational and clinical research. Extensive experience in public health, geospatial analysis, data visualization, and R statistical programming language. I’m looking to continue working on impactful and technically challenging research.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Principal Investigator
University of Washington
Seattle, WA
09.2022 - Current
- Project title – Geographic health disparities in the US and Washington State: Migration, rurality, and wildfire smoke
- Presented research findings at national conferences, enhancing visibility within the scientific community.
- Continuously evaluated research methodologies, driving improvements in study designs and outcomes.
- Supported by NIH training grants and a Tillman Foundation Scholarship
Research Consultant
World Health Organization, WHO
Seattle, WA
01.2025 - 01.2026
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to analyze data trends and support evidence-based recommendations.
- Led research initiatives to inform global health policy decisions and improve strategic outcomes.
- Mentored junior researchers, providing guidance on methodologies and best practices in health research.
Public Health Specialist
University of Washington Environmental Health & Safety
Seattle, WA
03.2020 - 09.2023
- Improved case tracking and data management by developing intake forms and database, saving the team valuable organizational time
- Developed and implemented public health programs to enhance community wellness initiatives.
- Managed other case investigators and responded to COVID-related public health guidance requests from students and employees at the university
Graduate Research Assistant
Global Women, Adolescent, and Child Health
Seattle, WA
07.2019 - 03.2020
- Informed World Health Organization testing recommendations by developing mathematical models to estimate impact and cost-effectiveness of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B testing
- Trained other researchers on mathematical modeling and R statistical programming
- Strengthened guideline applicability by coordinating between WHO, national program leads, and researchers to direct research questions
Graduate Research Assistant
Evans School Policy Analysis & Research Group
Seattle, WA
09.2016 - 09.2019
- Informed agricultural policy work for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation through written reports, presentations, spreadsheets, and data analyses in response to project officer requests
- Managed and analyze quantitative survey data such as the Living Standards Measurement System
- Conducted reviews of published and grey literature in support of international development stakeholders
Wildland Firefighter – Smokejumper
U.S. Bureau of Land Management
Boise, ID
04.2006 - 10.2016
- Suppressed wildfires by managing various resources including crews, bulldozers, and helicopters as an Incident Commander
- Supported the management of large fires by supervising logistics and operations for various resources
- Developed tactics for fire suppression individually and as part of a management team
Tank Mechanic
U.S. Marine Corps Reserves
Yakima, WA
06.2000 - 10.2006
- Conducted routine inspections and maintenance on armored vehicles to ensure operational readiness.
- Supported tank training exercises by providing 24-hour recovery and maintenance
- Served as an enlisted member of convoy security in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2005
Education
Ph.D. - Epidemiology
University of Washington
Seattle, WA06-2026
Master of Public Administration - undefined
University of Washington
Seattle, WA06-2019
Skills
- Experimental research design
- Observational research design
- Real World Evidence (RWE)
- Clinical research
- Programming (R, Python)
- Collaborative research
- Bayesian modeling
- Geospatial analysis
- Data visualization
Websites
Accomplishments
- Tillman ScholarPat Tillman FoundationAwarded a four-year scholarship to support PhD studies in EpidemiologyChicago, ILJun 2019
- Certificate of Excellence in TeachingHorn of Africa InstituteAwarded for efforts in teaching English to Somali refugeesAddis Ababa, EthiopiaAug 2015
Certification
- Google Project Management Professional Certificate
Timeline
Research Consultant
World Health Organization, WHO
01.2025 - 01.2026
Principal Investigator
University of Washington
09.2022 - Current
Public Health Specialist
University of Washington Environmental Health & Safety
03.2020 - 09.2023
Graduate Research Assistant
Global Women, Adolescent, and Child Health
07.2019 - 03.2020
Graduate Research Assistant
Evans School Policy Analysis & Research Group
09.2016 - 09.2019
Wildland Firefighter – Smokejumper
U.S. Bureau of Land Management
04.2006 - 10.2016
Tank Mechanic
U.S. Marine Corps Reserves
06.2000 - 10.2006
Master of Public Administration - undefined
University of Washington
Ph.D. - Epidemiology
University of Washington