Feb. 3, 2026
Story by Ryan Gauthier, rjgauthier@health.missouri.edu
When a lake turns an alarming shade of green or a beach closes due to a mystery toxin, Kaylea Nemechek is on the case.
As an epidemiologist for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Nemechek helps track, analyze and communicate the growing public health threat posed by harmful algal blooms (also known as HABs).
A 2020 graduate of the University of Missouri’s Master of Public Health program, Nemechek is a key part of the domestic waterborne and health and sanitation team at the CDC. She spends her days working to gather a national picture of the pressing public health threat.
“We collect data from states on harmful algal blooms that occur across the country,” Nemechek said.
Her team documents several key components of the problem: the environmental conditions of the bloom, any associated human illnesses and any linked animal illnesses. Events she tracks can include everything from cyanobacteria in freshwater lakes to red tide in coastal areas.
Since HABs are influenced by conditions favorable to algal growth, the CDC focuses on prevention and education. Nemechek advises the public to use caution and look out for warning signs, especially during the summer. She suggests avoiding water that looks suspicious, such as anything with algae mats or a “gasoline-looking sheen.”
The CDC’s work often involves collaborating with other federal agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, to support this collaborative health approach.
A strong foundation in One Health
Nemechek’s background gives her a unique blend of skills that translate into her current role with the CDC. It also highlights the holistic approach necessary to manage modern health crises — also known as the “One Health” concept.
She came to Mizzou with an animal science background from Kansas State University, which meant she was “jumping into a completely different world” in public health. She earned her MPH degree with a veterinary public health emphasis alongside a graduate certificate in epidemiology.
She credits her time in the Department of Public Health at Mizzou with providing the critical human perspective to complement her animal health background.
“The program at Mizzou really was fantastic at giving me more of the human health perspective into things and preparing me for how to deal on the human health side of public health,” she said. “This exposure was instrumental in preparing for my career at the CDC.”
During her time at Mizzou, Nemechek was highly involved. She co-founded and served as president of the MPH Graduate Student Association. She also worked closely with College of Health Sciences faculty members Tom Rose, Lynelle Phillips and Jenna Wintemberg.
Building a rewarding career
Nemechek was initially drawn to a government career because she felt she could make the biggest difference at the federal level. She’s found working in the One Health space to be particularly rewarding because of the endless opportunities to collaborate with diverse experts.
For students interested in a similar career path, Nemechek suggested being as proactive as possible. She built many of her own opportunities through project proposals and outreach, an approach she continues to use at the CDC.
“If an opportunity does not present itself, make one,” she said.
Nemechek emphasized that public health skills are highly transferable, allowing her to apply her knowledge to various subject areas. She said working at the CDC is mentally stimulating and impactful, reaffirming her chosen career path.
“I’m glad I’m in public health,” Nemechek said. “I’m so happy to be in this space now.”
