Nandita Chowdhury

RISE member volunteer Nandita Chowdhury has been hard at work preparing for the upcoming RISE/CLA Regulatory Conference, taking place April 23-25 in Arlington, Virginia.

A dedicated member of the RISE Regulatory Affairs Committee (RAC) since 2016, Nandita’s contributions to the event include collaborating with RISE member volunteers and RISE/CLA staff to help bring together industry leaders and EPA officials for a more impactful conference.

Nandita will be a panelist during a session on drone technology and its use in the public health industry, a topic closely aligned with her work as Global Regulatory Manager at Clarke. Additionally, Clarke is co-hosting one of four interactive stations during RISE’s signature event, EPA Labels Live!

Last year, Clarke’s station focused on the efficacy of mosquito adulticides, highlighting the complexities of field testing. This year, the focus shifts to the use of drones in larviciding for mosquito control.

An actual drone—significantly larger and more sophisticated than common consumer models—will be on display, alongside representatives from the American Mosquito Control Association and Placer Mosquito & Vector Control District (California), who currently utilize the technology.

“This may be the first time EPA officials see a drone used in this way,” says Nandita, who also serves on the CLA Drones Working Group. The group recently authored a white paper for the EPA, and she co-led the registrations team within the initiative.

“EPA Labels Live! provides an opportunity to highlight the bigger-picture initiatives in public health that make our communities more livable and protect them from vector-borne diseases,” Nandita explains.
Beyond technical demonstrations, the RISE/CLA Regulatory Conference plays a crucial role in fostering industry relationships with EPA officials, especially in an era where virtual interactions often replace face-to-face discussions.

“Following the pandemic and the shift to greater reliance on virtual communication, opportunities for in-person networking has become even more valuable,” she notes. “It’s difficult to have quick conversations or get immediate answers from EPA via email. We rely on RISE to give us those face-to-face opportunities for engagement with EPA as well as our industry colleagues.”

Nandita recalls two moments from last year’s conference that underscored the event’s significance. First, several EPA officials personally thanked her for helping organize and participate in the EPA Labels Live! event, recognizing its value as a training and engagement opportunity.

Second, two EPA staffers she had been corresponding with for many months sought her out during EPA Labels Live! and introduced themselves in person, making their professional connection more tangible and meaningful.

“To my industry colleagues in the regulatory realm, I would say that this event is worth the trip,” she says. “Opportunities like this don’t come up often. Having our industry colleagues and EPA in the same room is invaluable. Even though we may have differing goals, we’re all facing some of the same regulatory challenges. Hearing different perspectives and building relationships is crucial.”

Nandita emphasizes the importance of mentorship and industry collaboration. “I’ve learned so much from colleagues who have been in this field for decades. Their experiences provide guidance to newer members.”

A Passion for Public Health
Originally from Philadelphia, Nandita’s career in environmental science began after earning her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Temple University in 2011. She started her career in an environmental lab, testing soil and water samples for government townships and villages. Her introduction to the pesticide regulatory industry came at FMC, where she handled state registrations and assisted with federal EPA submissions for their specialty pesticide segment.

Nandita has been with Clarke since 2018, drawn to the third-generation, family-owned company’s commitment to public health. Her passion for this field took root while earning her Masters in Public Health from Drexel University. She joined Clarke just as she was completing her degree.

Her first role at Clarke involved collaborating with the World Health Organization on a new evaluation process for vector control products, ensuring safety, quality, and efficacy. This global experience gave her a deeper appreciation for the EPA’s role in the U.S. “The agency wants to work closely with our industry because our products are vital tools in combating deadly diseases,” she says.

Another memorable experience for her at Clarke was participating in the RISE advocacy training sessions that combined message development with hands-on practice to equip employees with skills they needed to be advocates for the industry. The success of the training has inspired Clarke to develop an internal advocacy program of its own and to spearhead additional training opportunities for its partners and stakeholders.

“My passion lies in developing products that protect people while ensuring clear and effective labeling, with a focus on environmental and community stewardship practices,” she explains. “Our goal isn’t just to eliminate mosquitoes; it’s to do so in a way that prioritizes public health.”

Residing just outside of Saint Charles, IL, where the Clarke headquarters is based, Nandita continues to advance her mission of improving public health through regulatory excellence and industry collaboration.