Kalpana Rengarajan, 25 years

Kalpana works as the Director of Research Safety in the Environmental Health and Safety Office in Research Administration.

Tell us about your career at Emory.

I began my career at Emory in 1997 as a National Research Service Award (NRSA) fellow in the Cardiology division of the School of Medicine. I then worked as a Research Associate in the Emory Eye Clinic and the Emory National Primate Research Center (formerly the Emory Vaccine Center). In 2005, I joined the Environmental Health and Safety Office (EHSO) as the University’s Biosafety Officer. Over time, I advanced to the role of Director of Research Safety, where I oversee the development, implementation, and maintenance of EHS programs across the university. My responsibilities include ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations and managing safety across more than 1,600 laboratory spaces involved in research.

What are some of your favorite Emory memories?

Some of my favorite memories from my time at Emory include shaking hands with Vice President Al Gore when he visited campus. Another memorable moment was meeting and shaking hands with President Obama during his visit to the CDC, where he thanked everyone from Emory University and the CDC who had been involved in the Ebola crisis.

What are some of the most significant changes you've witnessed?

Throughout my career, I have witnessed several significant changes, particularly while working at the EHSO. There was never a dull moment, with major outbreaks such as H1N1 in 2009, Ebola in 2013, Zika in 2015, SARS-CoV-2 in 2020, Monkeypox in 2022, and now the bird flu. Each of these events provided enriching experiences as I collaborated with researchers and supported their cutting-edge work. The most notable learning experience occurred during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, where I had the opportunity to address multiple campus groups and gain extensive knowledge from navigating the situation's complexities.

What do you miss from “back in the day”?

I miss the days when parking on campus was easier and walking around the campus was more convenient.

What do you hope for the future of Emory?

I hope for continued success in the institution's development and ongoing investment to support the success of the individual faculty, researchers, and staff, who are the heart of the institution.

Anything else you would like to share?

I’ve been blessed to work with many wonderful people over the past 25 years, and I will always cherish those relationships. I am looking forward to continuing to work with all EHSO customer groups.