Visiting Scientist

Population Health Interventions

Current work and interests

John is undertaking work to support a project that aims to evaluate planning policy as a method through which to regulate takeaway food outlets for improved health in England (funded by the NIHR Public Health Research Programme). The research to which he is contributing will apply quantitative methods to investigate the impact on takeaways and other food and non-food retail within ‘exclusion zones’ around schools.

Background and experience

John studied for his PhD in Urban Science from the University of Warwick (funded by EPSRC), in which he employed quantitative statistical methods (including Change Point Detection and Interrupted Time Series Analysis) to derive causal inferences around the relationship between National Planning Policy and Land Use/Land Cover Change. His primary research interests include the use of Bayesian State Space Models and machine learning as tools through which to analyse policy impact.

Prior to his PhD, John obtained an MSc in Environmental Bioscience from the University of Warwick (2012 – 2013) and a BA in Philosophy and Politics from the University of Liverpool (2002 – 2005).

He has also been employed in various policy and strategic roles at organisations including Birmingham City Council, Ofqual and West Midlands Police.