Introduction to a Groundbreaking Microscope
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 Scientist Behind the Breakthrough
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 the 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.”
Upcoming Court Hearing
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.
The Incident at the Airport
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.
Customs Violation and Visa Cancellation
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.” Petrova described her confusion over procedures and an interrogation by Customs and Border Patrol officers.
Effects on International Scientists
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.”
Survey and Tracking Database
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. Separately, a tracking database from Inside Higher Ed shows that, as of April 18, more than 240 colleges and universities have reported that over 1,550 international students and recent graduates have had their legal status changed by the U.S. State Department.
Lawsuits and Concerns
About 180 international students have filed 28 federal lawsuits seeking to regain their Student and Exchange Visitor Program status or U.S. visas, Inside Higher Ed reports. A lawsuit filed by international students, among them Ph.D. candidates in STEM fields, on April 15 argues that recent visa terminations are “arbitrary, capricious, and contrary to constitutional right, power, privilege, or immunity.”
Petrova’s Background and Expertise
Harvard recruited Petrova about two years ago. She graduated from the prestigious Russian Physics and Technology Institute and came highly recommended, Peshkin said. She also attended the same high school in Moscow that he did, a place he describes as being for “people who are usually selfless, devoted, fanatic scientists, ascetics.”
Unique Contribution to Research
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.”
Colleagues’ Testimonials
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 Petrova has significant implications for the scientific community, particularly in the fields of cancer research and longevity. Her unique expertise and contribution to the research project at Harvard Medical School are irreplaceable, and her deportation to Russia could mean the loss of a talented scientist and the potential breakthroughs she could bring.
FAQs
- Who is Kseniia Petrova and what is her role in the scientific community?
Kseniia Petrova is a 30-year-old Russian-born scientist who worked at Harvard’s renowned Kirschner Lab. She developed computer scripts to read images from a groundbreaking microscope and unlock its full potential for cancer detection and research into longevity. - Why was Petrova detained by ICE?
Petrova was detained by ICE for failing to declare samples of frog embryos to be used in scientific research at Logan International Airport in Boston. - What are the implications of Petrova’s detention for the scientific community?
Petrova’s detention has significant implications for the scientific community, particularly in the fields of cancer research and longevity. Her unique expertise and contribution to the research project at Harvard Medical School are irreplaceable, and her deportation to Russia could mean the loss of a talented scientist and the potential breakthroughs she could bring. - How has the Trump administration’s immigration policy affected international scientists?
The Trump administration’s aggressive approach to illegal immigration has made it increasingly difficult for international scientists to work in the United States. Many scientists are considering relocating to Europe or Canada, and some have already had their visas revoked or have been swept up in immigration actions.
