Aljay Carnate, B.S.
Aljay was born in the Philippines and grew up in Hawaii, where he attended the University of Hawaii at Manoa. He became the first in his family to graduate college, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. After college, Aljay served as a corps member for Teach for America (TFA) and taught mathematics at Waipahu High School. He was also involved in clinical research with the University of Hawaii, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Women’s Health, participating as one of the Reproductive Health Educators, to examine the effects of utilizing health educators in hospital clinics and their role in providing comprehensive STI testing and contraceptive counseling. After his two-year service with TFA, Aljay left the teaching profession to pursue a career in medicine. He began working as a medical assistant in an oncology/hematology clinic in Hawaii, working alongside physicians to provide accessible and optimal healthcare services to patients with cancer and blood disorders throughout the island. Aljay eventually wanted to learn more about medicine, particularly medical research, and so he joined the Ndhlovu Laboratory at the University of Hawaii, John A. Burns School of Medicine, working as the Lab Research Coordinator. Aljay then became the Lab Manager and moved to New York with Dr. Ndhlovu to help him start-up a brand new HIV-research laboratory at Weill Cornell Medicine. He is currently assisting with some of the ongoing research projects in the lab, with hopes that he will be able to contribute to the efforts of finding a cure for HIV. Aljay is passionate about medicine and would like to become a physician one day to care for and treat the HIV-positive population in his own community in Hawaii.
Research Interest: HIV, HIV co-infection, HIV Treatment, Clinical Research, Public Health, Infectious Disease, Community Outreach & Education, Social Determinants of Health, Public Policy, Healthcare Policy, Healthcare
Fun Fact: When he is not in the lab, Aljay is volunteering for non-profit organizations, helping to serve his current community in NYC. During his free time, Aljay likes to go on outdoor adventures, whether it be through hiking, going to the beach, or riding a bike through the park. Aljay also enjoys trying different types of food and spends a lot of time in the kitchen, cooking whatever simple recipe he can find online.
Hometown: Honolulu, Hawaii
B.S. Biology - University of Hawaii at Manoa