The Sycamore Institute recently welcomed David Simpson to our full-time staff as our senior policy analyst. We asked David to answer a few questions below so you can get to know him better.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I’m a native Southerner hailing from just outside of Birmingham, AL. I believe thoughtfully crafted public policy can foster strong communities, and I enjoy working at the intersection of research and policy implementation. Before joining Sycamore, I worked as a policy analyst for the Baltimore City Council in Baltimore, MD and as a high school geometry teacher in Montgomery, AL. I’m now completing my PhD in Political Science at Columbia University in New York, NY. After living in various cities around the country, I relocated to Nashville in 2020 to live closer to family. It has been a joy to establish a home in Tennessee.

Why did you want to work at the Sycamore Institute?

I’m passionate about using high quality research to inform our understanding of the world and to shape public policy. After years of conducting academic research, I wanted a role where my findings could have a more immediate impact on policy outcomes. Sycamore’s mission of fostering a stronger Tennessee through non-partisan research resonated with me. I jumped at the opportunity to join an organization known for producing high-quality impactful policy research.

Where do you want to be in 15 years?

In 15 years, I would like to help lead a government agency or a large policy research organization. 

What are your interests and activities outside of work?

I love getting out of the house on the weekend and exploring fun activities with my wife and children. Recently I’ve been rediscovering my interests in outer space. I enjoy stargazing with our telescope and launching model rockets with the kids. Once the weather improves, I plan on planting wildflowers and heirloom tomatoes in our yard.

What’s a fun fact about yourself?

I make homemade pizza every week.