12 Dr. Nergis Mavalvala

Dr. Nergis Mavalvala

Time period: Modern

Subject: Physics

Biography:

Dr. Nergis Mavalvala has represented queer women in STEM science since before 1990 when she received her bachelors in astronomy from Wellesley College. As a woman of Pakistani heritage and a professor at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology Dr. Mavalvala has been on the frontier of Astrophysics and the detection of waves emerging from black holes. Dr. Mavalvala is also a mother of two and a strong advocate for queer representation and women in science. As a first generation immigrant from Pakistan she also advocates for equality for and the rights of immigrants.

Summary of their contributions:

Dr. Mavalvala focused her doctorial research primarily on the detection of gravitational waves and quantum measurement science in astronomical physics. Her work has contributed to the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) which studies the effects and detection of gravitational waves emitted by and around black holes. Her work has helped differentiate the effects of gravitational waves from electromagnetic waves and their effects within the universe.

She has also contributed to research on laser cooling of macroscopic objects and the generation of light in quantum squeezed states. Perhaps another important input that Dr. Mavalvala has contributed to the science community is the power of representation for Pakistani scientists, women in science and queer representation of science at a higher academic level.

Integration with the BC Secondary Science Curriculum:

• Role model for young female scientists and queer scientists.
• Inclusion for diversity in race, culture and gender identities in classrooms, education and science.
• Studies on Black Holes and the types of gravitational waves emitted from them.
• The role of astrophysics and wavelengths in astronomy.
• Discrimination and racism in science and science education.
• Science from a non-western country.
• Science from a global perspective.

References:

https://ysjournal.com/professor-nergis-mavalvala/

https://www.macfound.org/fellows/class-of-2010/nergis-mavalvala

https://www.autostraddle.com/nergis-mavalvala-and-five-exceptional-stories-of-women-in-stem-329015/

https://physics.mit.edu/faculty/nergis-mavalvala/