Researcher Spotlight: Divya Gupta

What is your professional background? 
I received my bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Georgia Tech and then went to medical school at Emory, completing my residency, fellowship, and subspecialty training. I joined the Emory faculty in July 2012. I’ve been involved with research since my fellowship, having spent 2 years in the lab doing bench research. I’ve also participated in advancing the use of technology to better understand the shear stresses in coronaries of heart transplant recipients and aortas of patients with left ventricular assist devices. In addition, I’ve been PI on several heart failure clinical trials in which Emory has been a lead enroller. 

In what division do you work, and who is your mentor? 
I am in the Division of Cardiology, working specifically in advanced heart failure and transplantation. Just as a good recipe often requires more than 1 ingredient, there are many who have influenced me to varying degrees, but the people who had the greatest influence on me are Dr. Robert Taylor, Dr. Andy Smith, Dr. Wendy Book, Dr. Javed Butler, and Dr. Nanette Wenger.  

Briefly describe your research. Why is it important? 
Heart failure affects the lives of millions of Americans. I am working with teams to develop novel strategies to allow these people to better understand and manage their disease allowing for a better quality and quantity of life, as well as decreased cost to our healthcare system. By optimizing methods for management within the hospital and clinics, we can ensure consistent and guideline directed care with better patient outcomes and less frustration for the care provider. 

What do you like most about Emory?
The majority of people coming to Emory are encountering one of the worst days of their lives.  We all try to do everything possible to provide excellent quality care and mitigate the nightmare the patient and family are living through. 

What is your favorite movie or TV show?
‘Game of Thrones’ was fantastic (until the last season).  My new obsession is ‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.’

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I adore spending time with my 2 daughters (ages 5 y.o. and 2 y.o.). 

What is a fun fact about you? 
I took Tae Kwon Do in college and medaled at a few competitions.