John Scott is a public health researcher, legal advocate, and educator whose career spans law, economics, and health policy. After living independently as a teenager, John served in the military before earning his undergraduate degree in economics from the University of California, Berkeley, graduating at the top of his class. He went on to earn his law degree from Stanford University, after which he built a distinguished career at several of the nation’s leading law firms in New York City.

Driven by a commitment to social justice, John pivoted toward public health, earning a Master of Public Health with distinction from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. His interdisciplinary background gives him a unique, intersectional lens through which to examine the social determinants of health — with a particular focus on housing as a human rights issue. His current research applies a health economics and policy framework to multilevel approaches addressing the U.S. housing crisis, with special attention to the populations most affected by housing insecurity: racial and ethnic minorities, sexual and gender minorities, disabled persons, and veterans.

John’s dedication to veterans extends beyond his research. Over the years, he has contributed extensive pro bono legal support to veterans and, while at Harvard, designed a workforce re-entry program for those returning to civilian life after service abroad.

A gifted educator, John has served as an adjunct professor at California State University San Marcos, where he earned recognition for his ability to make complex health economics concepts accessible and to inspire students. He is also an active mentor to peers, colleagues, and community members alike.

John’s work is grounded in a vision that goes beyond equity — toward the systemic transformation of policies and institutions to ensure fair access to resources for all.