header-logo
people walking in skywalk
Center for Healthy Communities and Research
David Nelson, PhD, MS

David Nelson, PhD

Director Master of Public Health, Director Doctor of Public Health, Professor

Biography

Using his training, education, and experience, Dr. Nelson seeks to develop policy and systems of change to support health equity for all people. Dr. Nelson has advanced training in community-engaged research, a doctorate in education, and experience in a variety of leadership roles across the country provide a framework for engaging in systems change at the organizational, community, or national level.

His educational degrees were obtained from the University of Illinois, the University of Northern Colorado, the University of Tennessee Knoxville, and the Medical College of Wisconsin. This education has led him to 17 years as a faculty member at the Medical College of Wisconsin. His primary teaching responsibilities focus on public health at the master’s and doctorate level and mentoring medical students. He supports education for the current and next generation of students.

By taking a mid-career sabbatical allowed, Dr. Nelson developed additional skills and scholarship in community engagement. Following a three-year fellowship, he initiated funding at multiple levels that engaged community and academics for mutual benefit in various areas.

Decades of experience have well-positioned him to lead groups through policy and systems change at various levels and areas. His team continues to develop community engagement at the Medical College of Wisconsin for individuals, departments, and the institution. By working with communities throughout Wisconsin, his teams have built systems of change in education, food systems, healthcare systems, and community-based organizations. These experiences are not separate, but intentionally connected to support equity for all people. Dr. Nelson has served on local boards of directors and co-founded the nonprofit organization StreetLife Communities, which supports those presently or at risk of being unhoused.

In addition to a professional platform for systems change, his mission and service success at the field and board level support the needed change for equity within the community. His work has built greater awareness of issues facing communities, along with additional funding, transparency, and metrics that support processes and outcomes. Through these efforts, more local, regional, or national changes can be implemented.

Publications

Publications of David A. Nelson PhD from the Faculty Collaboration Database

© 2025 Medical College of Wisconsin.  All rights reserved.  | Terms and Privacy | Web Accessibility Statement

Non-Discrimination Statement
The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) is committed to fostering a diverse community of outstanding faculty, staff, and students, as well as ensuring equal educational opportunity, employment, and access to services, programs, and activities, without regard to an individual's race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristic, or military status. Employees, students, applicants or other members of the MCW community (including but not limited to vendors, visitors, and guests) may not be subjected to harassment that is prohibited by law or treated adversely or retaliated against based upon a protected characteristic. MCW’s policy as well as federal and state laws and regulations prohibit unlawful discrimination and harassment.

Notice of Compliance with Laws and Commitment to Civil Rights
The Medical College of Wisconsin is committed to full compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations in the pursuit of our missions. Consistent with recent federal guidance, we affirm our commitment to individual merit, fairness, and equal treatment in all aspects of academic and institutional decision-making. As part of this commitment, we are actively reviewing our policies and materials to ensure they align with federal nondiscrimination obligations.