Professional Experience

briefcase Chronic Disease & Prevention Branch, Division of Prevention and Quality Improvement, Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH)

Epidemiologist III/Project Director/Coordinator

Jan 2010 - Present · 13 yrs 1 mo location

Frankfort , KY

Duties

Principal investigator of the KyBRFS (Kentucky Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance). Plan, maintain, implement, and expand the existing KyBRFS activities at DPH
Analyze the distribution and determinants of communicable and chronic disease, maternal and child health issues, health prevention and quality improvement, women’s health, injuries or other health conditions using data from Kentucky’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance (KyBRFS).
Prepare, write and monitors grants, contracts, budgets
Disseminate data to health professionals/general public and the media in appropriate and understandable language.
Prepare presentations and technical reports on epidemiological studies and data for internal use, professional presentation or publications.

Accomplishments as Project Director

briefcase Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center KIPRC, University of Kentucky

Grant Evaluator for Core Violence and Injury Prevention Program (Core VIPP)

Sep 2011 - Sep 2015 location

Frankfort , KY

Developed a Logic Model to describe the Kentucky’s core VIPP

Developed SMART goals and objectives for the grant using input from stakeholders

Participate in planning initiatives with the KSPAN (KY Safety & Prevention Alignment Network) Child Maltreatment workgroup. Child maltreatment prevention is one of the focus areas of the core grant

Assisted in developing a process of setting up a surveillance for child maltreatment focusing on Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma cases

briefcase CDC Field Assignee to the State of Kentucky, Applied Sciences Branch, Division of Reproductive Health Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)

MCH Epidemiologist

Aug 2008 - Dec 2009 location

Frankfort , KY

Duties

Assisted in building and enhancing maternal and child health (MCH) epidemiology and data capacity at the state level
Provided consultation and recommendations to MCH program in setting program goals, priorities and future direction through integrating MCH epidemiology, analytical and research capacity into MCH needs assessment, program development, implementation, and evaluation;
Proactively increased the influence of MCH epidemiology in informing and guiding evidence-based MCH practices through collaborating with MCH program and data management system to effectively collecting data, appropriately analyzing data, and providing timely and accurate information
Prepared MCH program reports, scientific publications and presentations for information dissemination to professional and community groups.
Participated in emergency preparedness planning for vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and infants.

Accomplishments as MCH EPI Field Assignee

Assigned as the lead data person for the Title V Block grant needs assessment process for the state of Kentucky.
Designed, disseminated and analyzed a web-based survey completed by major maternal and child health stakeholders in KY.
Assisted in facilitating 8 MCH community forums throughout Kentucky. Conducted qualitative analysis of the data collected in the forums.
Designed and disseminated patient survey to majority of local health departments in Kentucky. Received more than 5,000 completed surveys back from them.
Assisted in the initiation of FIMR(Fetal Infant Mortality Review) program in two sites in Kentucky.
Worked with the State’s Title X Director to develop a preconception care agenda for Kentucky.
Provided assistance in the Department’s Operation Center during H1N1 Swine Flu Outbreak in Kentucky.
Designed the algorithm for “Suspected H1N1 (S-OIV) Case and Laboratory Specimen Tracking System” and revised the Interim Clinician H1N1 algorithm.
Represented the Division of Maternal and Child Health in the initiative called Building Epidemiological Capacity in Kentucky (BECKY).

briefcase Office of Policy, Planning and Research, Louisville Metro Department of Public Health & Wellness

MCH Epidemiologist/ Program Evaluator

Oct 2003 - Aug 2008 location

Frankfort , KY

Duties

Developed, implemented, monitored and evaluated Healthy Start Program activities according to the grant performance measures outlined by HRSA (Health Resources Services Administration). Healthy Start program is a federally funded initiative to reduce disparities in birth outcomes in areas with very high rates of infant mortality.
Monitored the services provided to pregnant clients, infant/child and fathers
Participated in the implementation of the community strategic planning process called MAPP (Mobilization for Action through Planning and Partnerships)
Responsible for providing expertise on data analysis and evaluation of the grant funded by the Foundation for Healthy Kentucky for translation of data into policy. Developed a curriculum as part of a team
Designed surveys and questionnaires to collect and assess information on the Project
Prepared technical reports on epidemiological studies and investigations
Researched, gathered, analyzed and interpreted data to perform complex epidemiological studies on distribution and determinants of infant mortality in the Healthy Start Area and Jefferson County
Assisted in writing the major competitive Healthy Start grant
Represented the department to other governmental agencies, physicians, hospitals, clinics, other health facilities, school systems and the public to provide and exchange information concerning disease trends, studies, reporting requirements and other related issues.
Completed a year-long KPHLI (Kentucky Public Health Leadership Institute) Change Master Project that focused on a systems-level analysis of issues limiting adequate care for Healthy Start program clients affected by postpartum depression.

Accomplishments as MCH EPI Field Assignee

Coordinated the improvement of the database system. This played a major role in providing data for the Healthy Start competitive grant cycle and securing $5.1million dollar for next four years (2005-2009). Was nominated by the health department to receive the KPHA Helen Frazier Award.
Developed and monitored evidence-based performance measures for Healthy Start program. Analyzed data to document program impact.
Initiated Fetal Infant Mortality Review (FIMR) and Perinatal Periods of Risk (PPOR) as a surveillance tool to identify disparities in infant mortality in Louisville Metro. Only Healthy Start program at county level that was using PPOR and FIMR. These tools were being used at the state level only at that time.
Research findings from PPOR pertaining to the infant mortality status in the community and existing disparities were presented at local and national conferences. Crucial stakeholders such as the Kentucky Department for Public Health shifted their focus towards reduction of feto-infant mortality as a result of the dissemination of this data, developing and nourishing a collaborative relationship.
Sharing the accomplishments of the Healthy Start program in reducing disparities in western Louisville initiated a Signature partnership with the University of Louisville in extending the current services to more women in the target area. The program received legislative support from the State and Local Health & Welfare committee as an outcome of this data sharing. Collaborated with customers to develop and implement solutions that will benefit everyone and implemented processes to help serve customers more effectively. Communicated with a group of individuals in a public setting to provide information on specific problems, programs, or functions I have made program recommendations based on the analysis of assessments (e.g., community health, environmental health, and public health).KPHLI project
Synthesized ethical, political, scientific, and economic data to determine implications for Healthy Start program.
Provided critical data to the Health Department Director to take action and prevent delivery services to be moved from downtown hospital to a suburban hospital.
Worked with Kentucky Public Health Institute team to convince the substance abuse services provider organization in Jefferson County to create mom-friendly clinics for Healthy Start clients suffering from post-partum depression

briefcase Applied Sciences Branch, Division of Reproductive Health, CDC

Guest Researcher (intermittent)

Mar 2003 - Dec 2003 location

Frankfort , GA

Conducted qualitative text analysis of comments data from the PRAMS survey to assess specific needs/concerns of women after delivery – this type analysis was done for the first time in PRAMS

Formulated research questions, create a codebook, code the data, verify codes & themes with independent reviewers

Employed quantitative and qualitative analysis software (SAS & EZ Text) to data

Linked to demographic & quantitative data from PRAMS

briefcase Georgia Department of Human Resources, Division of Public Health

Evaluation Consultant

Jan 2003 - Oct 2003 location

Frankfort , GA

Worked with state Program Consultants and Analysts on development of process evaluation plan (consistent with Branch Evaluation Framework)

Worked with state consultants on development of surveys and interview questions regarding program design, policies and procedures, capacity, implementation, utilization and other objectives of the project

Assisted in administering surveys to program personnel, consumers, and/or other stakeholders

Reviewed and evaluate the FFY 2001/2002 WIC Program Review of all districts in Georgia to identify strengths and weaknesses in Nutrition Education Services provided to the eligible population

Provided information on available and potential community, state and/or federal resources for development of Nutrition Education program

Identified Nutrition Education needs of district WIC clients and present the findings during Policy Planning & Evaluation Meetings

Conducted literature and resource searches on the Internet for strategies used in Nutrition Education & for developing Family Leadership Institute

Updated the Integrated Work Plan Evaluation for all Initiatives of the Family Health Branch

Assisted state staff in developing Request For Proposal according to established guidelines

Worked with state consultants to design, develop and enhance databases

Synthesized and analyze data gathered from evaluation activity and compile summary report “Branch Leadership

Education

graduation-hat MPH, International Health

Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University

December 2002

Thesis - Evaluation of the impact of Tobacco Action Grants (TAG) Program on the Tobacco Control Capacity of Grant Recipients in DeKalb County.

graduation-hat PhD, Microbiology

Indian Agricultural Research Institute

August 1990

Thesis - Biodegradation of Agricultural Residues through cellulolytic fungi.

graduation-hat PhD, Microbiology

Indian Agricultural Research Institute

June 1986

Thesis - Studies on the interactions of Nitrogen Fixing Phosphate Solubilizing and Cellulose Decomposing Microorganisms on Wheat Crop

Professional Certification

Completed Certificate of Supervisory Essentials

Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES #9980)

Selected to serve on the Health Education Specialist Practice Analysis II (HESPA II) panel of experts

May-July 2018

Honours

Selected as a participant in the Governor’s Minority Management Trainee Program (GMMTP)

2017-19, graduated from the program on October 31, 2019

Selected as one of five finalists for the eighth annual Robert Wood Johnson Foundation National Award for Outstanding Epidemiology Practice in Addressing Racial and Ethnic Disparities

In 2015

Nominated to attend KPHLI (Kentucky Public Health Leadership Institute)

In 2007

Recipient Helen B Fraser award in recognition and appreciation of outstanding service on behalf of mothers and children, Kentucky Public Health Association (KPHA)

In 2005

Collaborative Evaluation Fellowship awarded by the American Cancer Society

September 2002

Professional Affiliations

Adjunct faculty for teaching Evidence-Based Public Health: A Course in Chronic Disease Prevention to public health personnel working

June 2018 and July 2019

Department for Public Health and Local Health Departments in the Commonwealth

Mentored 2 doctorate and 4 masters level students from the University of Louisville

2011 – present

University of Kentucky and Eastern Kentucky University

Mentored: 6 Masters level students for the public health practicum requirement in completion of Master’s in Public Health

2006- 2008

University of Louisville at Louisville (KY)

Mentored: 2 GSIP (Graduate Student Internship Program) Interns sponsored by HRSA (2009 and 2011) Invited as a guest lecturer for the course Applied Epidemiology

2013

Eastern Kentucky University to present BRFSS overview and analysis of complex surveys lab

Invited as a guest lecturer for the course PSEP 617 Field Epidemiology present about program evaluation and MCH surveillance methods

2008, 2013 & 2014

University of Louisville

Mentor younger epidemiologists at the Kentucky Department for Public Health

Skills and Abilities

Computer

SUDAAN 11.0, SAS Version 9.3, SPSS 20.0, Microsoft Office

Data Analysis

Analysis and interpretation of complex statistical data from large data sets: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data, Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) data, National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH) data, Vital Records. Qualitative Data Analysis, Synthesis of Qualitative and Quantitative Data

GIS

Experience in creating geographical and thematic maps using ArcGIS

Research

Public Health Surveillance, Utilization-based Evaluation, Program Evaluation, Impact Evaluation, Survey Evaluation, Integrated Work Plan Evaluation and Outcome Evaluation, Project designing, Designing of data collection tools, Developing study protocols, Sampling, Telephone interview, Face-to-Face interview, Primary Data Collection, Compilation, and Analysis, Conducting Web-based research for Best Practices

Writing

Published technical papers, experience in writing grant proposals, technical reports, and writing slide presentation

Presentation

Presented research papers during technical conferences in USA and India. Presented research findings before Coalitions, Stakeholders from the State and County, Legislators in Louisville & Frankfort, KY, Healthy Start Advocates, Prematurity Summit of March of Dimes, Georgia Folic Acid Task Force, Applied Science Branch (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), Council for State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) National Conferences

Grant Proposals

Wrote the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System grant every year since 2011 and have received a higher than the base level of funding from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)

Wrote the State Competitive Supplemental Funding for Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Communities Putting Prevention to Work in 2011was awarded $239,817 from CDC

Wrote the Health Care Surveillance/Health Statistics grant in 2012 and 2013. Secured additional funds from Prevention and Public Health Funds & CDC for running KyBRFS operations

Wrote County Health Ranking Action Grant every year since 2010 and was awarded $4,900 every year (2010-2016) from the University of Wisconsin

· Assisted in writing the Healthy Start competitive grant in 2004 and the Louisville Metro Department for Public Health & Wellness was awarded $5.1 million from HRSA for four years (2005-2009)

Latest Publications

journals

Roy A. Pleasants . Khosrow Heidari . Jill Ohar . James F. Donohue . Njira L. Lugogo . Sarojini Kanotra, Monica Kraft . David M. Mannino . Charlie B.(2022)

Strange Respiratory Symptoms among US Adults: a CrossSectional Health Survey Study Pulm Ther

2022

Kamour A, Mannino D and Kanotra S

Prevalence and comorbidities of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease among adults in Kentucky across gender and area development districts

2015Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases: Journal of the COPD Foundation (JCOPDF). 2 (4):296-312

Redmond Knight J, Kanotra S, Siameh S, Jones J, Thompson B, Thomas-Cox S

Understanding Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening in Kentucky

2015Prev Chronic Dis. 12:140586.

Louis TS, Ehlrich E, Bunn T, Kanotra S, Fussman C and Rosenman KD

Proportion of Dermatitis Attributed to Work Exposures in the Working Population, United States, 2011 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.

2014American Journal of Industrial Medicine. 57:653-659.

Robl JM, Jewell, TD, Kanotra S

The Effect of Parental Involvement on Problematic Social Behaviors Among School-Age Children in Kentucky

2012Maternal and Child Health Journal 16; S287-S297

Kanotra S, Siameh S, Thomas-Cox S

The Primary Data Source for Prevalence of Risk Factors & Chronic Diseases in Kentucky. J KMA: Special Series on Public Health, November 2011.

2011

abstarct

Boone S, Kanotra S, Baumgartner K, Baumgartner R

Increased Likelihood of Poor Health Status Indicators among Rural and Rural-Appalachian Cancer Survivors in Kentucky, Abstract accepted for presentation in NCI Symposium

2020

NCI Symposium

Kanotra S, Robl J, and White CG

Adverse Childhood Experiences in Kentucky Residents – Findings from 2015 KyBRFS (Kentucky Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance)

June 4 – 8, 2017

Annual Conference in Boise, ID

Kanotra S, Salt S, Rock P, Bishop L, and Tipton M

Use of Chronic Disease Morbidity and Mortality Data to Propose State-Based Designation Criteria for Medically Underserved Residents.

June 17-23, 2016.

CSTE Annual Conference in Anchorage

Kanotra S, Siameh S, Rock P and Thomas-Cox S

Using Face-to-Face Interviewing As an Alternate Mode of Collecting Behavioral Risk Factor Survey Data Among Hispanic Residents in Kentucky

June 14-18, 2015

CSTE Annual Conference in Boston, MA

Kanotra S, Siameh S and Thomas-Cox S

Associations between self-perceived quality of life in women of reproductive age by their smoking status. Results from Kentucky’s 2012 Behavioral Risk Factor Survey

September 17-19, 2014

Annual MCH EPI Conference in Phoenix, AZ

Kanotra S, Redmond J, Siameh S, Jones J, Thompson B and Thomas-Cox S

Understanding Barriers to Colon Cancer Screening: Preventive Care and Screening – How are we doing in Kentucky?

June 22-26, 2014

CSTE Annual Conference in Nashville, TN

reports

Kanotra S and Boulay J. 2016

Kentucky Area Development District Profiles 2015

Department for Public Health, Cabinet for Health & Family Services

Kanotra S. 2015

Kentucky Area Development District Profiles 2014

Department for Public Health, Cabinet for Health & Family Services.

Kanotra S and Siameh S. 2014

Kentucky Area Development District Profiles 2013

Department for Public Health, Cabinet for Health & Family Services

Reviewer

Past reviewer of grants with HRSA

Reviewed submitted manuscripts for Maternal and Child Health Journal

Reviewer of abstracts submitted for CSTE Conference

Presentations

Oral presentation of the findings on “Use of Chronic Disease Morbidity and Mortality Data to Propose State-Based Designation Criteria for Medically Underserved Residents

June17-23, 2016

2016 CSTE Annual Conference in Anchorage, AK

Presentation at the 2015 Plenary session

2015

Annual BRFSS conference in Atlanta, GA

Poster presentation of the findings on “Associations between self-perceived quality of life in women of reproductive age by their smoking status

September 15-19 in Phoenix, AZ

Kentucky’s 2012 Behavioral Risk Factor Survey” at the 2014 MCH EPI conference

Professional Development

Attended National Association of Chronic Disease Directors (NACDD) 2022 Program Success Showcase Virtual Event January 2022

Attended the virtual Annual 2022 BRFSS Conference March 2022

Attended the Spatial Analysis Workgroup meeting organized by CSTE January 2021

Attended Appalachian Food for Health Event March 2021

Attended Optimizing Health -KHC 7th Annual Conference March 2021

Attended 2021 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) Virtual Meeting March 2021

oPresented at the State Coordinators Plenary