Matthew Davis
Consulting Senior Science Writer, Global
Matthew Davis is a Washington, D.C.-based writer, communications consultant and policy analyst who has more than two decades of experience in print, radio, television and web-based media. For the last ten years, Matthew’s work has revolved around science and science policy concerns, with a particular focus on public health, biomedical research, vaccine development and immunization coverage, agricultural research, climate change, forestry and farm production in the developing world. At Burness, Matthew works with organizations in these arenas to help them present their issues through compelling messages, op-eds, press releases, websites and reports, all focused on communicating complex policy and scientific concerns to a broad audience. Prior to his involvement with Burness, Matthew wrote for Nature and the News and Observer of Raleigh, NC, and served as a speechwriter and communications advisor on trade and economic issues at the Organization of American States. Matthew holds a B.A. in journalism from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. He lives (and bikes) in Washington with his wife, Christine, and his two boys, Nathan and Luke.
Why I'm at Burness
This company is a unique and diverse community of incredibly talented individuals who place a high value on creativity and collaboration. Every day I see my colleagues working to redefine and intensify the role of communications in the service of important causes, like producing more food on a small farm in sub-Saharan Africa where the soils have been sapped of nutrients or getting basic dental care for low-income families so young kids don’t die from an abscessed tooth. It’s also important that we can be a rowdy bunch and people here seem to genuinely enjoy spending time together.
Personal Cause
Public health. I like the shiny new toys emerging from genomics, molecular medicine, stem cell therapy nanotechnology, etc, but at the end of the day, clean water and universal vaccination rule.
What Drives You?
Other than need to pay the scandalous cost of college, a desire to engage the world and make some noise.
First Concert
The Doobie Brothers (ok, it was 1973 and I was 12).
Bucket List Item
To become the person who convinces people to live in the now and stop making bucket lists.