Pakistan-born Nergis Mavalvala becomes new dean of MIT

A Pakistan-born astrophysicist Nergis Mavalvala becomes the new dean of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) School of Science.

According to details, Nergis’s services will come into effect from September 1 and will succeed Michael Sipser.

The Curtis and Kathleen Marble Professor of Astrophysics Mavalvala is known for her pioneering work in gravitational-wave detection.

She has been honored with multiple awards for her research and teaching. Mavalvala has been the associate head of the department of physics since 2015. Mavalvala will be the first woman to become s dean in the School of Science.

MIT President L Rafael Reif said,

“Nergis’s brilliance as a researcher and educator speaks eloquently for itself.”

Nergis Mavalvala named School of Science dean 👏🏻: Astrophysicist and associate head of the physics department will succeed Michael Sipser. https://t.co/ZqXQukyB6A @ScienceMIT pic.twitter.com/Q780QX3xpk

— Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) (@MIT) August 17, 2020

He concluded by saying,

“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.”