Pakistani-American scientist is the first woman to be dean of MIT’s School of Science

Nergis Mavalvala shot to fame with her lead role in the detection of gravitational waves

Nergis Mavalvala, a famed Pakistani-American astrophysicist, will be the new dean of the School of Science at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology from next month.

She will be the first woman to serve as dean of the School of Science since it was established in 1932.

Nergis, who did her A-level education in Karachi, showed promise with her curiosity about science and mechanical tools as she grew up. She borrowed tools to repair her bicycle and evinced a keen interest in the school lab.

In the U.S. she hit headlines for her lead role in the detection of gravitational-waves five years ago, becoming an inspiring figure for the young generation of the country with her achievement. Her achievement, which confirms Einstein’s idea of the presence of large waves, have also made Nergis as a celebrated story of immigrant success. 

Views and News were among the first few media outlets that reported detailed stories about her singular contributions to the discovery of the gravitational-waves.

She will spearhead the MIT’s School of Science from September 1, culminating an illustrious career as dean of the school that has produced 14 Nobel Prize-winning alumni. Twelve faculty members of the school are Nobel Prize recipients, according to the information posted by Wikipedia. The school has six academic departments that award Ph.D. and ScD degrees.

“Nergis’s brilliance as a researcher and educator speaks eloquently for itself,” MIT President L. Rafael Reif said, of her elevation to the leadership position, according to MIT News.

“What excites me equally about her appointment as dean are the qualities I have seen in her as a leader: She is a deft, collaborative problem-solver, a wise and generous colleague, an incomparable mentor, and a champion for inclusive excellence. As we prepare for the start of this most unusual academic year, it gives me great comfort to know that the School of Science will remain in such capable hands.”

Nergis, who came to the United States after studying in Karachi in 1986, was a member of the path-breaking team of scientists, conducting research with the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory.

A recipient of several coveted awards, Nergis has been the associate head of the Department of Physics since 2015. Serving currently as the Curtis and Kathleen Marble Professor of Astrophysics, Nergis Mavalvala will succeed Michael Sipser, who will return to the faculty as the Donner Professor of Mathematics, after six years of service, the MIT News said.

Categories
2020OpinionPakisaniPakistanPakistani AmericanPakistani Americans

Huma Nisar is Associate Editor at Views and News
10 Comments on this post.

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  • M. Tahir Rashid
    18 August 2020 at 7:58 am - Reply

    I am proud of her and pray for her success in future. She is definitly an asset and we must all be proud of her

  • Rummana Shah
    18 August 2020 at 8:33 am - Reply

    Immensely proud of her. Hope she keeps on working hard with continued sincerity dedication and empathy

  • Rose
    18 August 2020 at 2:32 pm - Reply

    Bravo 👏 👏👏👏👏👏👏

  • G Anjum
    18 August 2020 at 6:22 pm - Reply

    A great honour indeed to lead such a prestigious institution. All the best to Prof Nergis Mavalvala !
    #MIT SCHOOL OF SCIENCE
    #PAKISTAN
    #NERGIS MAVALVALA

  • Another Doctor
    19 August 2020 at 10:21 am - Reply

    Please be aware of her proper title, which in the article should be Dr. Malvalvala.

  • Pat B
    19 August 2020 at 4:13 pm - Reply

    Awesome.

    We can all celebrate talent like her.

    Hats off.

  • Muhsin ALI Shah .
    19 August 2020 at 4:43 pm - Reply

    Our Proud ❤️ Our Pride Madam Huma Nisar .stay blessed.Success.Insha ALLAH many many more to come…

  • Siraj Khan
    20 August 2020 at 1:40 am - Reply

    Hazaron saal nargis apni be-noori pe roti hai, Badi mushkil se hota hai chaman mein deedawar paida…..

  • Muhammad Nisar
    20 August 2020 at 8:47 am - Reply

    Well done
    Congratulations from behaf of my side
    Muhammad Nisar from Darra Adam khel, kpk, Pakistan
    Email address is nisaraaeofr@gmail.com
    03324333014 WhatsApp
    PhD scholar in Islamia college peshawar

  • Aysha
    22 August 2020 at 6:47 am - Reply

    Best of luck to Nergis. May all Women follow her footsteps.

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