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Data Science

At APHL, we turn data into actionable insights for the public health laboratory community. Carefully designed data collection and scalable analytics allow us to deliver trusted findings and data-driven tools that can guide decision-making—strengthening public health laboratories and systems. 

Questions?

Contact the Data Science team: [email protected]

What APHL Does

Turning Data into Actionable Insights

APHL empowers our member-driven network with data that tells a clear story—helping transform complex information into actionable decisions for our programs, committees and member laboratories. Our data science work bridges data engineering, analytics and governance to ensure that every dataset is not only accurate but also accessible, secure and meaningful.  

We are continually collecting data to support member needs in areas such as program management, needs assessments and performance monitoring. We work with members and partners to design survey tools, then conduct analyses and develop custom dashboards that highlight trends, outcomes and impact. 

Whether it’s identifying workforce trends, enhancing databases or evaluating program effectiveness, our analytics guide decisions that strengthen laboratory systems and improve public health outcomes. 

Our mission is to promote data-driven excellence across APHL by ensuring the data that informs decisions are accurate, accessible and actionable.  

We design and program surveys, collect and clean data from a variety of sources and transform them into insights, delivered via dashboards, reports and other tools. At every step, we ensure that data security, integrity and compliance standards are upheld. 

Our approach integrates:

  • Data Collection Tool Design: Developing standardized, user-friendly instruments that capture high-quality data.
  • Data Integration: Connecting SaaS, API, and internal systems to create unified datasets. 
  • Data Quality: Applying consistent validation, cleaning, and governance practices. 
  • Analytics and Modeling: Transforming clean data into powerful, evidence-based insights. 
  • Visualization: Creating dynamic Business Intelligence (BI) tools and dashboards. 
  • Capacity Building: Training APHL staff and members to strengthen analytical and visualization skills. 
  • Data Security: Responding to data requests in alignment with APHL’s Data Use Policy and data availability.
Our Work

Data Science Projects and Dashboards

Each project demonstrates our commitment to transforming data into actionable insights that are meaningful to our members and partners nationwide. Here are some of the projects Data Science has helped develop: 

Resource Databases

  • Public Health Laboratory System Database
    Tracks testing capacity, infrastructure, and systems across APHL member labs to support surge response, shared services and operational continuity.
  • Overdose Biosurveillance
    Aggregates toxicology and chemistry data to support biosurveillance and inform public health responses to drug overdose trends.

Trend Dashboards

Performance Dashboards

Data-driven Tools