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Mayank Chugh

Visiting Assistant Professor, College of William and Mary
Visiting Research Fellow, Harvard Medical School
Chapter Member: Virginia SSN
Areas of Expertise:

About Mayank

Dr. Chugh's primary research focuses on systems biology of organismal development. His secondary research focuses on higher education/academic policy reform at institutional and governmental levels, in particular addressing barriers for marginalised early career researchers in a data-driven manner. Chugh uses his background in science and science policy to study how social inequity dimensions (race, gender, citizenship, and socioeconomic status) shape STEM higher education workforce and innovation. Chugh is an early-career advisor at eLife Sciences Publications and a member of board of directors at the Journal of Emerging Investigators (JEI). He is also the former chair of the Harvard Medical Postdoc Association.

In the News

Opinion: "Citizenship Privilege Harms Science," Mayank Chugh (with Tiffany D. Joseph), Nature, April 15, 2024.

Publications

"Calling for Institutional Reform by Compensating Early Career Researchers for Diversity Labor" Trends in Microbiology 31, no. 4 (2023): 332-335.

Focuses on the disparity faced by individuals from marginalized identities who disproportionately drive efforts related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) within institutions and funding organizations in the USA. Notes that despite their contributions, these individuals often do not receive adequate reward or recognition in their careers; thus, they are minority taxed. Emphasizes the need for reforms in compensating early career researchers (ECRs) at the graduate and postdoctoral levels as part of addressing this issue.

"Visas: Speed up Processing to Boost Inclusivity" Nature 615, no. 34 (2023).

Explores the challenges faced by scholars from some countries due to visa complexities in higher education and academic training, and highlights the overwhelming stress caused by these visa inequities and insecurities. Advocates for simplifying visa processing to attract talented individuals while ensuring national security. Additionally, institutions should actively manage trainees' visa applications to allow applicants more time for academic pursuits.

"Retaining Postdocs by Recognizing Their Worth" (with Esra Yalcin and Rosa Martinez-Corral). Nature Biotechnology 41 (2023): 296–298.

Analyzes data from a postdoc salary and benefits survey, which may assist in retaining PhD holders interested in academia but considering alternate options owing to financial considerations.

"Hydrostatic Pressure as a Driver of Cell and Tissue Morphogenesis" (with Akankshi Munjal and Sean G. Megason). Seminars in Cell & Developmental Biology 131 (2022): 134-145.

Describes how water trapped in between intercellular spaces can act as a mechanical signal to sculpt tissues during development. Offers perspectives on the open questions in the field that could advance our understanding of tissue organization during development.