Priyadarshini Pennathur holds a doctoral degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering from University at Buffalo. She also has undergraduate and graduate degrees in computer science. Her research interests are in understanding cognitive artifacts and how humans create and use information in complex work systems. 

Her particular focus and expertise is in healthcare systems. She has been involved in projects for designing and testing emergency department interfaces through simulation techniques, and understanding information transformation and technology use in emergency departments.
At QSRG, she is involved with the “human factors” component in multiple healthcare projects. Priya, along with Ayse Gurges, is investigating cognitive and patient safety aspects of care transitions in OR, ICU and floors.

Care transitions are key processes for critical clinical communication and transfer of responsibility. Priya is also involved in modeling deviations in patient care processes. Her other current projects include human factors in the medication delivery process, and usability analysis for clinical information systems in the ICU.