CSDE Welcomes Accomplished Research Scientist Phil Hurvitz

Posted: 7/31/2019 (CSDE Research)

Please join us in welcoming Phil Hurvitz to CSDE’s scientific team this August 1st! Phil will join us to lead the UWDC initiative as well as contribute to and support CSDE’s affiliates’ research and students’ training. Dr. Hurvitz’ scholarly accomplishments, expertise and experience offers an excellent addition and complement to CSDE’s scientific core staff. You can reach him here to talk about projects or say hello!

Phil most recently had a split position as Research Associate Professor in UW Urban Design and Planning and Research Scientist/Engineer at the Washington State Transportation Center (TRAC), working on research related to built environment and health-related behavior at the Urban Form Lab. The work focused on walkability, physical activity, diet and nutrition, and transportation. He was on the faculty of Urban Design and Planning since 2011.

Phil earned his PhD from the UW Interdisciplinary program in Urban Design and Planning in 2010 (previously Master of Forest Resources, 1994, UW College of Forest Resources). Former professional employment included positions as lecturer and GIS consultant for the UW College of Forest Resources, GIS instructor at Green River Community College, GIS technician at the City of SeaTac.

Phil’s skills center on management and analysis of large, spatially referenced data sets. He brings expertise across a wide range, including data automation, reproducibility, data visualization, relational database management, open source GIS, device-based data (GPS, accelerometry). He has applied these skills as a team member on multiple extramurally funded projects from agencies such as the NIH (NINR, NCI, NHLBI, NIA, NIDDK), CDC, and DOTs. Phil’s CV, including a list of his publications, is available here.

In his spare time, Phil enjoys walking to and from campus from his home in the Roosevelt neighborhood, spending time with his family and friends, playing music (ukulele), and cooking (he used to be a professional chef!).