Craig Parker

I am a data scientist with expertise in climate and health, specializing in AI-driven solutions for public health challenges. As a Co-Investigator at the NIH-funded HE2AT Center, I develop early warning systems for heat health in African cities. With a strong background in public health and data science, I have contributed to research and policy development in sub-Saharan Africa. My work integrates machine learning, data harmonization, and geospatial analysis to inform urban climate adaptation and health interventions. I wish to pursue a PhD to further innovate at the intersection of climate and health.

• Data Scientist, Wits Planetary Health Research Division, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa, 05/2024, Present, Lead research at the intersection of climate change and health, utilizing data science and machine learning to inform policy and adaptation strategies., Developed novel AI-driven models to predict heat vulnerability in urban populations.
• Data Scientist, HEAT Center, Wits RHI, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa, 03/2022, 05/2024, Spearheaded data acquisition, harmonization, and machine learning model development to support climate-health research under the US NIH program. Implemented AI solutions for urban climate adaptation and mitigation., Enhanced data integration techniques, leading to more accurate predictive models.
• Cargo Optimization Manager, A.P. Moller - Maersk, 10/2021, 03/2022, Led continuous improvement initiatives in cargo logistics through data analysis and process optimization., Improved operational efficiency by implementing data-driven process changes.
• Cargo Cluster Focal (East Africa & Horn of Africa), A.P. Moller - Maersk, 10/2018, 10/2021, Implemented process improvements to enhance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction across regions., Reduced operational costs and improved delivery timelines through strategic data analysis.
• Business and Transformation Specialist, Maersk Line Limited, 03/2017, 10/2018, Guided organizational change initiatives using data analytics to inform decision-making., Successfully led multiple Kaizen projects, resulting in significant productivity improvements.
• Quality Improvement Programme Manager, Wits RHI, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa, 03/2015, 04/2017, Developed monitoring and evaluation systems for HIV programs, enhancing quality and impact., Implemented a successful quality improvement tracker review process across multiple healthcare facilities.

• Improvement Advisor (Wave 27), Institute of Healthcare Improvement, 2014
• Deep Learning Specialization, Coursera (taught by Andrew Ng), 2022
• Google Cloud Certification: Machine Learning Engineer (In Progress)
• AI for Medical Prognosis, Coursera, 2023
• Machine Learning on Google Cloud Specialization, Coursera, 2023

Climate Change and Health
My research focuses on the intersection of climate change and health in Africa. I apply AI and machine learning models to analyze large datasets, uncovering hidden relationships and potential risks, and informing adaptation strategies.
- Selected Publication:
   - Parker C, Chersich MF, Maimela G, et al. "Leveraging Data Science and Machine Learning for Urban Climate Adaptation in Africa: A HE2AT Center Study Protocol." BMJ Open, 2023.
Health Policy and Public Health
I have contributed to policy development and quality improvement in various health programs, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. My work includes managing initiatives to enhance health systems and support the development of national health policies.
- Selected Publications:
   - Parker C, et al. "HIV Retesting in Pregnant Women in South Africa: Outcomes of a Quality Improvement Project Targeting Health Systems’ Weaknesses." S Afr J HIV Med, 2018.
   - Parker C, et al. "Increasing Global Temperatures Threaten Gains in Maternal and Newborn Health in Africa: A Review of Impacts and an Adaptation Framework." Int J Gynecol Obstet, 2022.

HE2AT Center - Harnessing Data Science for Health Discovery and Innovation in Africa, Co-Investigator, US NIH, 2022 - 2026, To create effective, locally relevant urban heat health Early Warning Systems in African cities using data science and machine learning innovations.

• Rust Practice for MLOps
• Carbomica App (Django)
• HVI Johannesburg
• ONSD Explore

• Master of Science (MSc) in Health Inequalities and Public Policy - University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
• Master of Management (MM) in Public and Development Management - University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
• Bachelor of Science (BS) in Neuroscience - King University, United States

• Professor Matthew Chersich, Research Director Planetary Health, matthew.chersich@tcd.ie
• Dr. Gloria Maimela, Director, Climate and Health Directorate, Wits RHI, gloriamaimela@wrhi.ac.za
• Norman Buller, Director, Head of Feeder Fulfilment, Transported by Maersk, norman.buller@maersk.com