Priya Rajagopalan is an economist specializing in the intersection of global public health, climate change, and aging in developing countries. Her work leverages data analytics and artificial intelligence to design and improve healthcare systems for vulnerable populations. In her current role at Penn, she collaborates closely with colleagues in the College of Liberal and Professional Studies (LPS) developing strategic academic initiatives that support interdisciplinary learning and expand access to global education, expanding the reach of Penn Arts and Sciences research and innovative pedagogy to regional, national, and international audiences.
Rajagopalan’s research program examines the critical health impacts of climate change in South Asia. Her recent publication in the International Journal of Environmental Health Research, "The Impact of Heat Exposure on Older Adults Across Ten Indian States," provides a comprehensive analysis of climate-related health risks. A forthcoming article in PLOS Climate further explores the physical and mental health consequences of extreme heat on elderly and uninsured communities in India, identifying key areas for targeted public health interventions. In recognition of her impactful research, she was named a finalist for the 2023 Aetna Award at the American Public Health Association (APHA).
As a dedicated member of the academic community, Dr. Rajagopalan serves on the Editorial Board for Global Environment Science. and is an active peer reviewer for numerous scholarly journals. Her broader service includes mentoring students, advancing faculty development, and fostering cross-university collaborations that promote inclusive and globally engaged scholarship.
Prior to joining Penn, she held key academic and administrative positions at Purdue University and the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where she led successful initiatives in institutional change, economic development, and research advancement.
