Dr. Poorna Kushalnagar appointed Dean of Research

Dr. Poorna Kushalnagar, ’93, has been named Dean of Research. She assumed this role on December 5. In announcing her selection, Interim Provost Jeffrey W. Lewis, ’76, wrote, “As Dean of the Office of Research, Dr. Kushalnagar brings to Gallaudet an impressive and proven track record in the areas of grantsmanship and research administration, as well as an enthusiastic commitment to Gallaudet’s mission.”

Dr. Kushalnagar joined Gallaudet University in 2016 as a faculty member in the Psychology program. She brought over $10 million in contracts and federal grant awards to Gallaudet before becoming Dean of Research. She has published over 100 papers and given countless presentations nationwide and internationally. During her time as a faculty member, she directed the Center for Deaf Health Equity and continues to mentor students, scholars, and faculty from diverse backgrounds. She continues to conduct active research to address deaf health disparities.

Under Dr. Kushalnagar’s leadership as Chief Research Officer and Special Assistant to the Provost for Research over the past two years, both research awards and expenditures have grown steadily, culminating in fiscal years 2021 and 2022, when Academic Affairs received record funding in externally sponsored awards. “[Dr. Kushalnagar is a strategist, implementer, and change-maker and I have every reason to believe that she will continue to make a positive impact on Gallaudet’s research infrastructure and productivity. Our faculty, staff, and students are fortunate to have Dr. Kushalnagar’s support for their research work,” wrote Dr. Lewis.

Dr. Kushalnagar will continue to serve in the functional role of Chief Research Officer for Gallaudet University.