Kathryn Cavender is the Director of the Environmental Health and Safety Department. She oversees the daily operations of fire, chemical, radiation, biological safety for the university. Kathryn has been in this role at Rice for over 31 years. During that time has served on numerous committees for Environmental Campus Safety at the university, local, and national levels. Kathryn is also responsible for the oversite and compliance with the Houston Fire Code which includes occupancy limits in buildings and on-campus venues, hazardous chemical and biological waste management and disposal, building indoor air quality, and office safety including ergonomics. She is an engineer by trade but has worked in the safety field for 40 years. Kathryn is a licensed Certified Safety Professional.