A world-renowned scientist, Dr. Krishna C. Agrawal was a long time professor and chairman of the Tulane University School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology. Born in Calcutta, India, he received his Ph.D. from the University of Florida and did post-doctoral research at Yale, where he remained as faculty, progressing to the rank of Associate Professor. In 1976, Dr. Agrawal was recruited to Tulane where he rose in reputation and rank to Professor in 1981, Interim Chair of the Department in 1996, and Regents Professor and Chairman in 1999.
"His greatest passion was to mentor, guide, and teach students in order to give them the gift of knowledge."
--Agrawal Family
Dr. Agrawal’s research on the development of designer drugs to fight HIV and cancer spanned 50 years, resulting in many international lectures as well as hundreds of published abstracts, papers, and several books. His work was recognized by many national organizations including the National Institutes of Health.
Dr. Agrawal’s true passion, however, was teaching and he was especially proud of the Masters in Pharmacology Program which he co-founded in 1999. During his tenure as Interim Chair (1996-99) and Chairman (1999-2009), Medical Pharmacology was awarded the Owl Club “Course of the Year” Award four times (1998, 2000, 2008, and 2009). This is the Honor Society’s selection of a single course from all four years of the medical curriculum (basic science courses and clinical clerkships).
Dr. Agrawal’s passing in December 2009 was a shock to all. A loving husband, wonderful father, and dear friend to all at Tulane, Krishna Agrawal made a lasting impression for his gentle guidance and kindness of spirit.
