The liberal arts & sciences, which provide a broad basis of understanding across multiple disciplines, have inspired countless figures throughout history and have been foundational to William & Mary over its 331-year history.

This multidisciplinary approach also underpins Mayank Chugh’s work in the biomedical field as he combines natural and social sciences to increase strength, versatility and innovation by highlighting the importance of diverse perspectives.

Chugh, a visiting assistant teaching professor in W&M’s Department of Biology and affiliate in the Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies Program, recently received Harvard Medical School’s 2024 Equity, Social Justice, and Advocacy Award. The award recognizes his research contributions and community-building work aimed at equitable policymaking and an inclusive biomedical workforce.

“It is an incredible honor,” said Chugh. “Looking back at where I come from – I was born and raised in India – I didn’t expect to be doing postdocs and Ph.D.s at such elite institutions. I certainly didn’t anticipate one day standing here, giving a speech and receiving this honor from the dean of Harvard Medical School.” 

At W&M, Chugh leads a lab while also teaching molecular cell biology and an innovative course in which students learn how to build an organ. In alignment with the Democracy and Data initiatives of W&M’s Vision 2026 strategic plan, Chugh’s work uses data to advocate for equitable practices in the sciences. His efforts also reflect the university’s core value of belonging. 

“Mayank has done important work focused on retention of a diverse scientific workforce,” said Matthew Wawersik, associate professor of biology, “specifically, shedding light on issues of compensation for early career researchers and how those researchers are valued. Considering these issues is essential for retaining a diverse workforce so that science asks and answers questions that are relevant to the broader population and impact all of us.”

Chugh explained that socioeconomic status and citizenship often impact who has the opportunity to take part in the biomedical workforce, especially at the stage of postdoctoral research. While attending Harvard to perform biological research, he realized that he also wanted to help create more equitable education systems that accurately represent current societal demographics.

“After all, we are not on Mars practicing science,” Chugh said. “We are embedded in society.”

To that end, he created the ReForm Lab, a “science of science” research space where he works with undergraduate students to answer pressing questions about the ways in which knowledge is created, shared and governed.

As part of that work, Chugh co-authored a 2023 study that identified a key factor in the shortage of postdoctoral researchers in the United States. The report asserts that unadjusted cost of living compensation practices are counterproductive to the institutional work of broadening participation, as scholars from lower socioeconomic backgrounds likely leave academia due to the resulting financial burden. The study led to policy changes within some of the largest organizations that fund biomedical research.

Another of Chugh’s projects highlights the impact of citizenship privileges on academic mobility. Many researchers travel to conferences to build competence, expand networks for collaboration and increase competitiveness for faculty positions. These events often take place in the U.S. and Europe, and attending is easier for people from western nations.

For example, Chugh explained, a German citizen with a passport can book a plane ticket online and travel to the U.S. within a day. However, a researcher from India, most African countries or elsewhere in the global south needs to obtain a visa, a process that takes at least six months and costs the equivalent of two to three weeks of pay.

Here at W&M, Chugh works with Sarah Morid ’27 and Vanessa Yen ’26 to expand that research. 

Yen explained that the work is meaningful for her because promoting diversity in science yields novel solutions. 

“Not only do new perspectives bring new thought processes,” she said, “but science has to consider who could be potentially harmed. If we are to take care of people from all over the world, our procedures, innovation and leadership should be a reflection of those practices.”

The team is currently collecting student visa data to gain insight into the international makeup of the 10 biggest biomedical conferences in the world. After analyzing their data, they will try to devise ways in which policies can be adjusted in scientific societies and conferences to make attendance equitable for everybody.

The group also investigates how societal disadvantages impact the research, mental well-being and career progression of researchers.

In summer 2025, Chugh will teach a course in Cape Town, South Africa. The class will focus on bioethics and societal integration in the biomedical sciences and is designed to assist students, primarily those who study biology, at the undergraduate level in making informed decisions as they chart their career paths.

“What brought me to W&M is the idea of the liberal arts,” said Chugh. “I think we can’t really be progressive and inclusive if we can’t be more open or curious, if we don’t have that critical thought and true interdisciplinarity. That’s what inspired the Renaissance. That’s what inspired Einstein. That’s what gave rise to science in the first place.”