Since 2013 she has played a driving role in redesigning many aspects of the graduate program in her department -- including recruiting, admissions, advising, and curriculum and exam structure -- as part of a broader mission of supporting and promoting equity, inclusion, and diversity. Recently, Kannappan led UNC's successful application to become an APS Bridge Partnership Institution. Her shared leadership philosophy has greatly expanded the number of department members at all levels involved in activities ranging from mentoring to social events to diversity advocacy. Kannappan has previous experience as an REU program director and a 9th grade public school teacher through Teach For America.