The UNT College of Science is pleased to welcome Dr. Karthikraj Rajendiran to the chemistry department as Assistant Professor! Dr. Rajendiran’s background and experience in research, government, industry, and academic sectors gives him a unique understanding of the experiences his students need to succeed. He will be teaching Forensic Chemistry classes in spring 2027 and adding additional classes in Analytical Chemistry and Instrumental Analysis in the future.

 

“I believe that my role as an educator is to create an inspiring and interactive environment that will best transfer knowledge and ideas to the future generation,” said Dr. Rajendiran. “My classes are open to discussions that enable students to think critically and learn to communicate effectively.”

 

In his new UNT laboratory in the Science Research Building, Dr. Rajendiran uses mass spectrometers and other analytical instruments to understand the role and effects of both endogenous and exogenous chemicals on human health. His research work sits at the intersection of analytical chemistry and human health, and centers on the "exposome,” or the totality of environmental chemical exposures a person accumulates over a lifetime, and how that exposure burden contributes to disease. He also uses high-resolution mass spectrometers for various forensic chemistry and toxicological applications, including fingerprinting and rapid screening of drugs and other toxicants.

 

“Some of the practical implications of my work include identifying which everyday chemicals (PFAS, plastic-related compounds, endocrine disruptors) measurably raise the risk of musculoskeletal decline and neurodegeneration, and pinpointing the biological mechanisms using OMICs approach,” explained Dr. Rajendiran, whose interdisciplinary research requires the collaboration of epidemiologists, toxicologists, and clinicians, both nationally and internationally. “This matters for two reasons: it gives clinicians and public health agencies biomarkers that could enable early detection of disease before symptoms appear, and it gives regulators and policymakers evidence to prioritize which chemicals most warrant exposure limits or bans, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children and older adults. The ultimate long-term goal is to protect human and environmental health.”

 

Dr. Rajendiran said that the academic reputation and R1 status of the University of North Texas first caught his attention, but that he also appreciated UNT for the diversity of the community, research facilities and welcoming campus. He enjoys learning new languages and his advice to student is this: “Never stop learning; there is always room to grow and evolve!”