Introduction to the Crisis
A groundbreaking microscope at Harvard Medical School could lead to breakthroughs in cancer detection and research into longevity. But the scientist who developed computer scripts to read its images and unlock its full potential has been in an immigration detention center for two months — putting crucial scientific advancements at risk.
The Detention of Kseniia Pertova
The scientist, the 30-year-old Russian-born Kseniia Pertova, worked at Harvard’s renowned Kirschner Lab until her arrest at a Boston airport in mid-February. She is now being held at ICE’s Richwood Correctional Center in Monroe, Louisiana, and fighting possible deportation to Russia, where she said she fears persecution and jail time over her protests against the war in Ukraine.
Impact on Scientific Community
Petrova’s case and the detention of academics across the country has damaged the ability of universities in the United States to recruit and retain leading talent, experts and Petrova’s colleagues said. In fields where expertise is often highly specialized, the loss of talent could have dire consequences globally for the future of medicine and scientific discovery. Scientists and faculty members are planning to leave institutions across the country, legal experts said, because they’re worried that their visas could be revoked or that they could be swept up in immigration actions.
The Detention Experience
“I would call it a grinding machine,” Petrova, who spoke with NBC News from the Louisiana facility, said about being detained. “We are in this machine, and it doesn’t care if you have a visa, a green card, or any particular story. … It just keeps going.”
Petrova’s first immigration court hearing in Louisiana is scheduled for Tuesday morning. Her lawyer, Gregory Romanovsky, said that they expect to have more information on her asylum case after the hearing.
Circumstances of Detention
Dr. Leon Peshkin, a principal research scientist at Harvard’s Department of Systems Biology and Petrova’s manager and mentor, received a call from Customs and Border Protection on Feb. 16 after agents detained Petrova at Logan International Airport in Boston for failing to declare samples of frog embryos to be used in scientific research.
Kseniia Petrova. (Courtesy Petrova’s attorney)
Romanovsky said that CBP typically imposes two penalties for such customs violations: the forfeiture of the items and a fine, usually around $500, and that “for a first-time violation, the fine is typically reduced to $50.” Instead, officials canceled Petrova’s J-1 scholar visa.
Response from Authorities
A DHS spokesperson told NBC News on Monday that Petrova had been “lawfully detained after lying to federal officers about carrying substances into the country.”
“They asked if I have any biological samples in my luggage. I said yes,” Petrova said before describing her confusion over procedures and an interrogation by Customs and Border Patrol officers.
Consequences for Scientific Research
Peshkin said international researchers have become increasingly worried in response to the Trump administration’s aggressive approach to illegal immigration. When asked whether he’s concerned that these policies might discourage other international scientists from coming to Harvard, he said: “I’m not concerned that it may. I am horrified that it does.”
A recent survey by the scientific journal Nature revealed that 75% of the 1,600 scientists surveyed were considering relocating to Europe or Canada, citing actions taken by President Donald Trump.
The Importance of Petrova’s Work
Peshkin immediately saw this quality in Petrova’s devotion to her work and her willingness to go beyond computational science, which was what she was recruited to do. He explained that their lab’s research “requires a unique set of skills because you have to both be able to work as an embryologist and do applied math, modeling, data analysis and bioinformatics — all in one package.”
Others echoed that sentiment. Dr. William Trim, a postdoctoral fellow who is a co-worker and housemate of Petrova, underscored her irreplaceable role in their research project using the one-of-a-kind microscope. Petrova developed the computer scripts to analyze the 100,000 images contained in the microscope.
Conclusion
The detention of Kseniia Pertova highlights the risks faced by international scientists in the United States due to stringent immigration policies. The loss of talent could have significant consequences for the future of medicine and scientific discovery. It is crucial for the scientific community to come together to support Petrova and other international scientists who are facing similar challenges.
FAQs
- Who is Kseniia Pertova?
Kseniia Pertova is a 30-year-old Russian-born scientist who worked at Harvard’s renowned Kirschner Lab. - Why was Petrova detained?
Petrova was detained for failing to declare samples of frog embryos to be used in scientific research. - What are the consequences of Petrova’s detention?
Petrova’s detention could lead to the loss of talent and significant consequences for the future of medicine and scientific discovery. - What is the reaction of the scientific community?
The scientific community is concerned about the detention of international scientists and the impact it could have on the future of medicine and scientific discovery. - What can be done to support Petrova and other international scientists?
The scientific community can come together to support Petrova and other international scientists who are facing similar challenges by raising awareness about the issue and advocating for more lenient immigration policies.
