Robert L. Ellis, PhD, MHA
Postdoctoral Scholar
UC Davis

Robert L. Ellis is a postdoctoral scholar working with Center for Healthcare Policy and Research Director Courtney Lyles. 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, in which he develops, evaluates, and disseminates innovative technology-based interventions 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.