David M. Hartley, PhD, MPH

My research work investigates the factors governing the emergence and transmission of infectious diseases by applying mathematical modeling, computer simulation and data analytic approaches. I strive to use team-based, interdisciplinary research to improve child health.

A background in applied physics and mathematics led me to begin using math and computer simulation to better understand the HIV epidemic in the early 1990s. That interest grew into mathematical disease ecology and research on how environmental variables affect the emergence and spread of different infectious diseases. Interest in public health surveillance followed from my study of epidemics.

I also study the spread of ideas and cooperation in learning healthcare systems using mathematical tools like those applied to measuring and modeling epidemics.

My current research projects include:

• Surveillance of antibiotic resistant and other emerging infectious diseases, including COVID-19
• Development and understanding of collaborative learning health systems
• Innovative uses of electronic health record (EHR) data for diverse health stakeholders
• Actionable, large-scale collection and analysis of unstructured data, so called “big data,” for early warnings of epidemics and infectious disease situational awareness

I have served on numerous review, advisory and expert panels, including a 2003 White House Blue Ribbon Panel charged with addressing the threat of bioterrorism directed against livestock. From 2008 to 2014, I served on a working group for the Department of Homeland Security and National Institutes of Health (DHS-NIH) Research and Policy for Infectious Disease Dynamics (RAPIDD). I have also been elected to senior membership in the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).