Dr. Nergis Mavalvala

Professor

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Biography

Professor Nergis Mavalvala joined the Physics faculty at MIT in January 2002. She was a postdoctoral associate and research scientist at Caltech, where she worked on the Laser Interferometric Gravitational Wave Observatory (LIGO). During the early years of LIGO, she was involved in the primary research instrument development of interferometric gravitational-wave detectors. Mavalvala received her Ph.D. in Physics from MIT in 1997, and her B.A. in Physics and Astronomy from Wellesley College in 1990. She is an outspoken advocate for equality in women's access to education and serves as a dedicated mentor and a highly visible role model for the LGBTQ+ community. In 2014, she was honored as the LGBTQ Scientist of the Year by the National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professionals. She is a fellow of the American Physical Society and an elected member of the National Academy of Sciences.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

2002-01-01 — Present

MIT • Cambridge, MA

Joined the Physics faculty and engaged in research on gravitational wave detection.

Research Scientist

— Present

Caltech •

Worked on the Laser Interferometric Gravitational Wave Observatory (LIGO)