Chitra N. Javdekar, Ph.D.

With a career spanning two decades in industry, research, and education, Dr. Chitra Javdekar found her true passion while teaching undergraduate students. Today, as Dean of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics at MassBay Community College, she is bringing that experience to enable her team to educate and train the next generation of technicians, scientists, and engineers. Chitra is passionate about issues facing women and students of color — especially Black and Hispanic/Latino students, who are presently underrepresented in STEM. She has led outstanding teams of faculty and staff to create new certificate and degree programs, including degree programs in Cybersecurity, and Genomics and Biomanufacturing.

Under Chitra's leadership, MassBay's STEM division has created several innovative programs for students, including a STEM Mentor Program to connect STEM students with professionals in their fields. Throughout her career, Chitra has created new partnerships with tier-1 research universities and colleges to create new research, transfer, and learning opportunities for community college students. Dr. Javdekar currently serves on the advisory board of the MetroWest STEM Education Network. She has advised startups in online education, and has been invited to speak at regional and global higher education conferences and meetings. Chitra immigrated from India. She earned her bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Mumbai, India, and received her Ph.D. from Tufts University.