Our Staff
Robert L. Ellis, Ph.D., M.H.A.
Postdoctoral Scholar
robellis@ucdavis.edu
Robert L. Ellis is a postdoctoral scholar working with CHPR Director Courtney Lyles. Passionate about equity in healthcare, his research focuses on breaking barriers to evidence-based care for vulnerable patients, including racialized and ethnic minorities, rural residents, women, and those with lower socioeconomic status, impacted by mental and chronic health conditions, including substance use. Ellis is driven by a vision of a fairer healthcare system, where he develops, evaluates, and disseminates innovative technology-based interventions that are tailored to the unique needs of individuals facing significant health disparities.
Prior to joining CHPR, Ellis collaborated with researchers at Kaiser Permanente Washington and the University of Washington, utilizing an intersectional lens to investigate differences in how substance use disorders are diagnosed in clinical care. Ellis has also worked with organizations such as Booz Allen Hamilton, New York Presbyterian (ColumbiaDoctors FPO), MedStar Family Choice, and Microsoft. In these roles, he supported health services initiatives and leveraged advanced technologies to enhance public health.
Skill Set
- Big data analysis
- Writing – manuscripts, reports, grants
- Evaluation and implementation science
- Business consulting
Research Interests
- Health equity
- Behavioral health and substance use
- Community-based interventions
- Technology and digital health
Education
- Ph.D., Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington
- M.H.A., Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University
- B.S., Health Promotion (Public Health), University of Georgia
