RAEANN LEAL
San Diego,USA
Summary
Experienced public health scientist specializing in environmental health surveillance, wastewater-based epidemiology, and infectious disease epidemiology. Supports public health laboratories through applied research and molecular diagnostics. Expertise in epidemiologic data analysis, environmental sampling, and laboratory quality assurance. Collaborates with multi-agency teams to translate scientific findings into technical reports and public health policy recommendations.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Environmental Health Fellow
Association of Public Health Laboratories
San Diego, CA
01.2025 - Current
- Conducted environmental microbiology research to evaluate human fecal contamination in coastal waters through microbial source tracking, contributing to improved water quality assessments.
- Develop and optimize duplex ddPCR assays (Sketa/HF183 and Sketa/CrAssphage) to increase sensitivity of environmental pathogen detection.
- Collaborate with the Southern California Coastal Water Research Project on the regional Bight’23 coastal monitoring program.
- Supported statistical analysis, laboratory QA/QC protocols, and regulatory-grade reporting for environmental surveillance programs, ensuring compliance and data integrity.
- Completed CDC fellowship focused on public health research.
Research Associate I
Cedars-Sinai Health System
Los Angeles, CA
01.2024 - Current
- Prepared research reports and program recommendations for the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), influencing decision-making in patient-centered care initiatives.
- Conduct research interviews and analyze data to identify health equity outcomes in low-income older adult housing.
- Led qualitative data analysis for the Elders Preserving Independence in the Community (EPIC) study, evaluating effectiveness of preventive healthcare interventions.
Communicable Disease Specialist
Riverside University Health System
Riverside, CA
01.2022 - 12.2023
- Analyzed disease surveillance data to identify transmission patterns, informing targeted intervention strategies that improved public health responses.
- Executed case investigations and contact tracing for HIV and sexually transmitted infections to identify affected individuals and prevent further transmission.
- Provided prevention education to patients and healthcare providers, enhancing knowledge and promoting safer practices within the community.
Laboratory Manager
Loma Linda University
01.2020 - 12.2023
- Managed laboratory operations for wastewater-based epidemiology and environmental pathogen surveillance during COVID‑19, ensuring timely and accurate results.
- Processed environmental samples through qPCR, whole genome sequencing, Enterolert, and Colilert testing to support pathogen detection efforts.
- Developed laboratory protocols and implemented QA/QC procedures while training research staff to enhance operational efficiency and data integrity.
- Generated microbial and SARS‑CoV‑2 surveillance data used for epidemiologic monitoring.
- Conducted research in environmental microbiology laboratory
Health Education Assistant
Riverside University Health System
Riverside, CA
01.2022 - 12.2022
- Educated community members on health topics and resources available.
- Assisted in organizing health education workshops and outreach events.
- Developed informational materials for various health programs and services.
- Supported Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) programs and enhanced surveillance reporting for improved patient outcomes.
- Led TB case investigations and contact tracing, managing latent TB infections to ensure timely treatment.
Contact Tracer
Riverside County Department of Public Health
Riverside, CA
01.2020 - 12.2022
- Facilitated COVID‑19 response through contact tracing, case investigation, and public health education, enhancing community awareness and compliance.
- Conducted interviews with individuals to gather contact information and exposure details.
- Educated community members about COVID-19 protocols and prevention measures.
- Managed disease surveillance data within CalREDIE and CalConnect systems, ensuring accurate reporting and timely public health interventions.
- Tracked and documented case data using public health management systems.
Education
Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) -
Loma Linda University
Loma Linda, CA06-2023
Master of Public Health (MPH) -
Loma Linda University
Loma Linda, CA06-2020
Bachelor of Science - Biology (Biotechnology Minor)
California State University Bakersfield
Bakersfield, CA06-2016
Skills
- Wastewater-Based Epidemiology (WBE)
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
- Environmental Microbiology
- Microbial Source Tracking
- Public Health Surveillance Systems
- Water quality analysis
- Water quality monitoring
- Molecular Diagnostics (qPCR, ddPCR)
- Whole genome sequencing workflows
- Quality assurance
- Program Evaluation
- Grant writing
- Survey design
- Mixed-methods analysis
- Technical documentation
- Interagency Collaboration
Certification
Certified in Public Health (CPH), National Board of Public Health Examiners (NBPHE #23090)
Selected Publications
- Leal R. et al. (2024). Lifestyle Factors and Heart Health: Exploring Effect Modification using BRFSS Survey Data. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine.
- Hile TD., Leal R., Dunbar SG., Sinclair RG. (2025). Microbiological Quality of Drinking Water from Water Dispensers. AIMS Microbiology.
- Bivins A. et al. (2022). Passive sampling to scale wastewater surveillance of infectious disease. Science of the Total Environment.
Timeline
Environmental Health Fellow
Association of Public Health Laboratories
01.2025 - Current
Research Associate I
Cedars-Sinai Health System
01.2024 - Current
Communicable Disease Specialist
Riverside University Health System
01.2022 - 12.2023
Health Education Assistant
Riverside University Health System
01.2022 - 12.2022
Laboratory Manager
Loma Linda University
01.2020 - 12.2023
Contact Tracer
Riverside County Department of Public Health
01.2020 - 12.2022
Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) -
Loma Linda University
Master of Public Health (MPH) -
Loma Linda University
Bachelor of Science - Biology (Biotechnology Minor)
California State University Bakersfield