Destiny Carte
Epidemiologist II, HIV Surveillance, Department for Public Health
Introduction
I am an epidemiologist with the Kentucky Department for Public Health (KDPH), where I work in HIV Surveillance with a focus on laboratory reporting, data quality and informatics. Through KPHA, I have had the opportunity to connect with public health professionals across disciplines, share work related to electronic laboratory reporting (ELR) and contribute to conversations about strengthening public health systems in Kentucky.
Professional Background
I received my Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Marshall University and am currently working on my Master of Public Health - Epidemiology concentration at the University of Kentucky. I began working at the Jessamine County Health Department in 2020 as a COVID-19 Disease Investigator and in 2021 became the Co-Lead and NEDSS Database Manager of the COVID-19 team.
Since 2022, I have worked as a Laboratory Epidemiologist in the HIV Surveillance section at KDPH. In this role, I support electronic laboratory reporting (ELR), surveillance data quality, and workflow improvements that help ensure HIV laboratory and case data are received, processed, and reported in an accurate and timely manner.
A major part of my work has involved collaborating with KHIE, OATS and laboratory partners to onboard and improve electronic laboratory reporting. These efforts have contributed to improvements in CDC-measured surveillance metrics, including timeliness and case report completeness. Kentucky is now in the top third of jurisdictions based on CDC Standard Evaluation Report measures, which reflects how effectively jurisdictions complete key surveillance activities.
My background combines epidemiology, informatics, data analysis and public health surveillance. I am especially interested in how better data systems can reduce manual burden, improve reporting quality and support more effective public health action.
KPHA Involvement
I have attended every KPHA conference since 2021, and it has been rewarding to see the organization grow and bring together professionals from across the public health workforce. At the 2025 KPHA, I served as co-presenter for a breakout session talk: "Grassroots to Greatness: How Small Actions Drive Big Change in HIV Reporting and Public Health". This session highlighted KDPH's HIV Surveillance and KHIE work on a direct data entry form that allows reporters to report electronically instead of via phone and reduces barriers to timely reporting and linkage to care.
Through KPHA, I have been able to learn from colleagues across different areas of public health, better understand challenges beyond my own program area and contribute to conversations about practical improvements in public health systems.
Personal Insights:
I have learned that progress often comes from practical, incremental improvements. My approach is to stay curious, learn from others and focus on changes that make the work more useful and sustainable.
Accomplishments & Recognition
In June of 2025, I received a Certificate of Outstanding Performance along with the Informatics and ELR Implementation teams from the KDPH Division of Epidemiology and Health Planning. In December of 2025, I received the "Rise Up Award" from the KDPH - Division of Epidemiology and Health Planning.
KPHA & Public Health in the Future
Since attending my first KPHA conference in 2021, it has been exciting to see the organization grow and continue bringing together public health professionals across Kentucky. Public health is highly interconnected, and KPHA provides an important space for collaboration across programs, disciplines and regions.
As public health challenges become increasingly complex, professional organizations like KPHA will become increasingly essential for sharing practical solutions, strengthening partnerships and supporting the next generation of public health professionals.
Personal Interests, Hobbies, Future Goals/Aspirations
Outside of work, I enjoy staying active by running, hiking, pilates and yoga. I also enjoy travelling throughout the country, spending time with my two mini dachshunds, trying new recipes and reading.
Professionally, I hope to continue building expertise in epidemiology, informatics and data modernization, especially in ways that make public health systems more efficient and useful.
Advice and Tips
Be curious, practical and remember that small improvements can lead to meaningful change. Membership in KPHA can help to see the broader landscape of public health beyond one's individual program area.