Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
CORE COMPETENCIES
Timeline
Generic

AYNAZ LOTFATA

San Francisco Bay Area

Summary

Strategic Outcomes and Evaluation leader with 10+ years of experience developing, implementing, and continuously improving outcomes measurement and evaluation systems across public health, government, and academic settings. Expertise in integrating programmatic, clinical, and operational data to guide decision-making, strengthen accountability, and foster a culture of learning and transparency. Proven ability to design logic models, establish KPIs, oversee high-quality data collection and reporting processes, and translate findings into action through structured “data-to-action” learning conversations. Strong statistical foundation combined with advanced proficiency in Excel, Tableau, and applied research methodologies.

Overview

6
6
years of professional experience

Work History

Senior Research Scientist & Research Coordinator

California Department of Public Health (CDPH)
01.2025 - 01.2026
  • Collaborated with executive leadership to support data-informed decision-making and strengthen accountability across statewide climate and health initiatives.
  • Designed and implemented evaluation systems integrating programmatic, clinical, and operational perspectives into strategic planning.
  • Established evaluation and reporting priorities aligned with organizational goals and funder requirements.
  • Refined program-level KPIs and outcome measures for large-scale public health surveillance initiatives.
  • Ensured performance and outcome indicators were accurately configured and maintained within agency data systems.
  • Developed standardized quarterly reporting templates and executive dashboards using Tableau and Excel.
  • Oversaw data collection from multiple administrative sources and implemented rigorous data quality assurance protocols.
  • Facilitated “data-to-action” learning sessions with multidisciplinary staff to translate findings into program improvement and sustainability strategies.
  • Led development of analytic plans, sampling strategies, and process maps for evaluation initiatives.

Research Scientist – Statistical & Spatiotemporal Modeling

University of California, Davis
01.2023 - 01.2025
  • Led applied research projects examining environmental health outcomes and program effectiveness.
  • Designed evaluation plans integrating environmental exposure data, demographic indicators, and health outcomes.
  • Developed measurement tools and data collection protocols to assess intervention effectiveness.
  • Conducted statistical analyses to inform decision-making and guide continuous program refinement.

Consultant – Health Services Evaluation

Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
01.2022 - 01.2024
  • Evaluated healthcare accessibility initiatives using structured evaluation plans and performance indicators.
  • Designed data collection methodologies and ensured consistency across data systems.
  • Delivered executive-ready reports synthesizing findings into actionable recommendations.

Assistant Professor (Environmental Health & Applied Research)

Chicago State University
01.2020 - 01.2023
  • Led multiple concurrent applied research and evaluation projects in environmental and public health.
  • Developed logic models and evaluation frameworks for community-based initiatives.
  • Supervised research teams and ensured data integrity and ethical compliance.
  • Designed and refined survey instruments and measurement tools for program evaluation.
  • Communicated complex findings to diverse audiences including policymakers, community partners, and academic stakeholders.

Education

PhD - Environmental Health (Minor: Geographic Information Science)

Mississippi State University

PhD - City & Regional Planning

Middle East Technical University

Skills

  • Statistical Analysis: R, Python, SAS, SPSS
  • Data Visualization: Tableau, Excel (Advanced), Power BI
  • Database Management: SQL, MySQL, ETL workflows
  • Survey Development & Instrument Design
  • Evaluation Design Tools: Logic models, process maps, sampling frames

CORE COMPETENCIES

  • Outcomes Measurement & Evaluation Strategy
  • Logic Model Development & Evaluation Plans
  • KPI Refinement & Performance Indicator Design
  • Data Collection Methodologies (Surveys, Administrative Data, Interviews, Focus Groups)
  • Data Quality Assurance & Integrity Oversight
  • Quarterly Reporting Templates & Executive Dashboards
  • Organizational Learning & Continuous Improvement
  • Statistical Analysis & Applied Research
  • Database Structure & Data Security Principles
  • Cross-Functional Leadership & Stakeholder Communication

Timeline

Senior Research Scientist & Research Coordinator

California Department of Public Health (CDPH)
01.2025 - 01.2026

Research Scientist – Statistical & Spatiotemporal Modeling

University of California, Davis
01.2023 - 01.2025

Consultant – Health Services Evaluation

Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
01.2022 - 01.2024

Assistant Professor (Environmental Health & Applied Research)

Chicago State University
01.2020 - 01.2023

PhD - City & Regional Planning

Middle East Technical University

PhD - Environmental Health (Minor: Geographic Information Science)

Mississippi State University
AYNAZ LOTFATA