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Kabrena Rodda, PhD
Group Lead, Analytical Chemistry and Instrumentation
Kabrena Rodda, PhD
Group Lead, Analytical Chemistry and Instrumentation
Biography
After a military career spanning more than two decades, Kabrena Rodda continues to use her chemical expertise to protect others.
Rodda is a forensic toxicologist who leads research into emerging chemical threats in support of PNNL’s national security mission. A United States Air Force Academy graduate with a doctorate in chemistry, she arrived at the laboratory in 2014, having retired at the rank of colonel.
Since joining PNNL, she has led or contributed to efforts to better understand and detect fentanyl and the Ebola virus and to advance chemical ethics. Early in 2022, she was named a committee member for the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine study focused on assessing and improving United States strategies to prevent, counter, and respond to chemical terrorism threats.
“When we think about chemical threats, it's not just about chemicals that are purposefully used to cause harm,” said Rodda. “It’s also important the ease with which so-called safe chemicals can become threats. The challenge is how to recognize and respond to these threats.”
Rodda is a recipient of the Organization for Prohibition of Chemical Weapons Director General’s Medal, the Secretary of Energy Appreciation Award, and the Secretary of the United States Air Force R&D Award.