Karthik Natarajan

Karthik Natarajan is an Associate Professor of Supply Chain and Operations at the University of Minnesota's Carlson School of Management, where he focuses on humanitarian and nonprofit operations. He also serves as a Fellow of the Institute on the Environment.

• Education: Ph.D. in Operations (2013) from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

His research examines global public health supply chains, particularly addressing donor funding uncertainty, healthcare delivery in resource-constrained settings, and socially responsible operations. Recent work includes empirical studies on commodity stock-outs in developing countries and pandemic response logistics during India's second wave.

Key publication trends reflect expertise in:

• Humanitarian supply chain optimization
• Funding dynamics in global health
• Incentive design for healthcare providers
• Pandemic preparedness logistics

Scientific Awards:

• Outstanding Graduating Student Award (UNC Chapel Hill)
• University-wide Fellowship (UNC Chapel Hill)
• Multiple teaching awards at Carlson School
• Business Week Faculty of the Year finalist

Natarajan actively collaborates with USAID and Minneapolis-based nonprofits, contributes to leading journals like Manufacturing and Service Operations Management, and serves on editorial boards. His insights on coronavirus supply chain impacts have been featured in major media outlets including the New York Times.