Yoh Family Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering
My general research focus is on developing novel machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques that can be used to accelerate scientific discovery. I work extensively both on the fundamental theory and algorithms as well as translating them into scientific applications. I have extensive partnerships deploying machine learning techniques in environmental health, mental health, and neuroscience.
Appointments and Affiliations
- Yoh Family Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering
- Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering
- Associate Director in the Institute of AI Engineering
- Associate Professor in Biostatistics & Bioinformatics
- Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Associate Professor of Computer Science
- Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering
- Associate Professor in Neurobiology
- Faculty Network Member of the Duke Institute for Brain Sciences
Contact Information
- Office Location: Hudson Hall, Durham, NC 27705
- Email Address: david.carlson@duke.edu
Education
- Ph.D. Duke University, 2015
Research Interests
Machine learning, predictive modeling, health data science, statistical neuroscience
Courses Taught
- STA 613: Statistical Methods for Computational Biology
- ME 555: Advanced Topics in Mechanical Engineering
- EGR 393: Research Projects in Engineering
- ECE 899: Special Readings in Electrical Engineering
- ECE 493: Projects in Electrical and Computer Engineering
- ECE 392: Projects in Electrical and Computer Engineering
- CEE 780: Internship
- CEE 690: Advanced Topics in Civil and Environmental Engineering
- CEE 491: Independent Study in Civil and Environmental Engineering
- CBB 700: Internship
- CBB 591: Independent Study
- CBB 540: Statistical Methods for Computational Biology
- CBB 511: Journal Club
- CBB 510S: Computational Biology Seminar
In the News
- Tracking Heat and Air Quality With Durham Neighbors (Aug 12, 2026)
- Extreme Heat Is Rising. What Are Duke Researchers Learning About Its Impacts? (…
- Ten Faculty Named 2025 Bass Chairs (Apr 22, 2025)
- For Many Urban Residents, It’s Hotter Than Their Weather App Says (Jun 27, 2024)
- Eyes in the Sky Bring Good News on Trash Burning in the Maldives (Jul 14, 2023)
- Students Find Interdisciplinary Exploration and Connection in Winter Breakaway …
- David Carlson: Engineering and Machine Learning for Better Medicine (Jan 9, 201…
Representative Publications
- Avigdor, Tamir, Alyssa Ho, Matthew Moye, William Davalan, Erica Minato, Sana Hannan, Tamzin Holden, et al. “Epilepsy surgery outcomes and their determinants: a systematic review and individual patient data meta-analysis.” J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 97, no. 7 (June 12, 2026): 639–48. https://doi.org/10.1136/jnnp-2025-337158.
- Calhoun, Z. D., M. Bergin, and D. Carlson. “Probabilistic interpolation of crowdsourced meteorological data for higher-resolution gridded estimates of surface air temperature.” Urban Climate 67 (June 1, 2026). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.uclim.2026.102977.
- Abdelaal, Karim, Kathryn K. Walder-Christensen, Cameron Blount, Kellie Williford, Marisella Adams-Grimaldi, Stephen D. Mague, David E. Carlson, and Kafui Dzirasa. “A widespread internal brain state for fentanyl withdrawal.,” May 8, 2026. https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.05.04.722791.
- K, Karthikeyan, Jennifer E. Flythe, Patrick H. Pun, Wolfgang C. Winkelmayer, and David Carlson. “Advanced artificial intelligence vs simpler models for 1-year death prediction among patients receiving hemodialysis.” JAMIA Open 9, no. 2 (April 2026): ooaf152. https://doi.org/10.1093/jamiaopen/ooaf152.
- Goffinet, Jack, Casey Hanks, and David E. Carlson. “HiPPO Zoo: Explicit Memory Mechanisms for Interpretable State Space Models,” February 24, 2026.