Ramakrishna Sameer Kakara

Background

About Ramakrishna Sameer Kakara

I’m a data-driven professional with 7+ years of experience in epidemiology, data analysis, and applied research. At the CDC, I’ve led and supported projects in injury prevention, asthma surveillance, and environmental health, translating large, complex datasets into actionable insights that inform programs, public-facing tools, and communication strategies. My expertise includes formulating research questions, designing studies, creating data analysis plans, conducting literature reviews, and writing scientific manuscripts. I have advanced experience performing survey data analysis, regression modeling, survival analysis, exploratory factor analysis, trend analysis, and validating predictive screeners. I’ve worked extensively with large datasets such as BRFSS, MCBS, NEISS-AIP, NVSS, NEMSIS, YRBSS, and Consumer Styles, and use tools like SAS, SUDAAN, Joinpoint, and Excel for data analysis and visualization. I’m currently building additional skills in R, SQL, and Power BI. I’ve authored and co-authored multiple peer-reviewed publications, MMWRs, and book chapters, and presented at national conferences (e.g, APHA). I’ve collaborated with internal teams, state partners, and nonprofit organizations to develop guidance documents, a compendium of effective interventions, and provided data and technical assistance to support program implementation and a machine learning data challenge. Beyond public health, I’m also interested in healthcare analytics, social, behavioral, or political research, library and information science, publishing analytics, and media-related research—any mission-driven work where data helps uncover patterns, tell stories, and inform decision-making. I’m currently seeking data analyst roles in public health, healthcare, social research, or library and information science where I can apply my skills in study design, statistical analysis, and data storytelling to drive meaningful outcomes.