Contact: dsimons19@rvc.ac.uk 

Country of Origin: UK
Institution: Royal Veterinary College/London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine

David initially trained in biology and biochemistry with a subsequent MSc in Conservation and Biodiversity, both from the University of Leeds in the UK. Following his graduation, he trained as a medical doctor at the Guy’s, King’s and St. Thomas’ medical school (KCL) in London to pursue his interest in One Health. He was keen on pursuing an academic career to investigate the drivers of zoonotic disease emergence, and completed an MSC in Tropical Medicine and International Health from LSHTM IN 2019. He began a PhD within the London Interdisciplinary Doctoral Programme in 2019. His research will be in exploring the proximate and ultimate causes of zoonotic disease emergence in West Africa, with a particular focus on Lassa fever. His work is divided between the Royal Veterinary College and LSHTM, allowing him to work across both the veterinary and human health spheres while bringing in his previous experience as a biologist.