Murugan’s Science and Communications Experience Lead to New Role

Whether she’s writing grants for a new research project at the Perlin Lab or leading a science experiment like germinating plants at home with her two children, there’s never a dull moment in the busy life of Madhuvika Murugan. The Special Research Programs and Communications Lead at the Hackensack Meridian Center for Discovery and Innovation (CDI), seamlessly blends project management with her scientific background. Since joining the CDI as a Project Coordinator in 2022, her role has evolved quickly.

“I wanted a career that combined science with organizational skills and writing,” said Murugan. “This position is a perfect fit because it’s a mixture of everything; I get to write grants and publications, represent our Center’s vision and accomplishments through scientific communications, while also getting to weigh in on projects with my scientific expertise. It’s a great blend.”

“Madhu has become an essential team member at CDI,” said David Perlin, Ph.D., the CDI’s Chief Scientific Officer and Executive Vice President. “Her unique skills are a true asset to our team.”

Early Passion For Science 

Growing up in a family of doctors, Madhu’s passion for science can be traced back to her childhood. Fascinated by biology, she spent her youth collecting ants, catching dragonflies and exploring her grandmother’s garden. Her father, a pediatrician and her mother, a surgeon, often sparked discussions about complex medical cases at the dinner table. Though inspired by their work, she chose Biotechnology over Medicine, due to her parents’ demanding schedules earning a bachelor's degree in engineering. During her undergraduate years, she won a National Scholarship to research the circadian rhythms of ants, which led to two publications. By the time she graduated, her love for science had solidified.

Educated in India and Singapore, Murugan’s research focus shifted to neuroscience. She ultimately moved to the U.S. for broader scientific opportunities, completing postdoctoral work at Rutgers University and the Mayo Clinic.

Path To Perlin Lab & New Position

Madhuvika Murugan moved her work from Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School to CDI in November 2022, where her role quickly evolved to match her skills. Promoted to Special Research Programs and Communications Lead in October 2024, she now acts as a liaison between scientists, legal teams, and e

xternal partners. She manages drug development programs, including the Metropolitan AntiViral Drug Accelerator (MAVDA) and the Center for Translational Excellence (CETR), aimed at creating outpatient antiviral drugs and developing antibiotics against high-threat bacterial infections, respectively.

“One day, I’m writing grants for conducting immunologic studies in astronauts, and the next, I’m focusing on developing antifungal or antiviral drugs against drug-resistant pathogens,” Murugan said. “I also submitted a grant to empower underserved New Jersey high school students to explore science.” 

She thrives on the challenging, fast-paced nature of the job, citing collaboration with senior researchers like Dr. Perlin as key to her success. 

“Dr. Perlin knows how to leverage people's strengths and build successful teams,” she added.

Family Life & Future

Most of all, Madhu values this position because it allows her to be fulfilled professionally while also being able to raise a family in nearby Ridgewood. The wife and mother to an 8-year-old daughter and 4-year-old son considers herself a “Jane of all trades.” Outside of the lab, she enjoys crocheting, knitting, painting, baking cookies and, of course, those fun experiments with her family. Looking for growth, she looks forward to whatever the future holds at CDI and knows, just like her career journey here, the path may not be conventional. Whatever it is, she’s grateful to have found the balance she has craved.

“The CDI is a great place to work for work life balance. I think HMH is like that on a broader scale,’ she said. “‘Bring your kid to work day’ is such a hit with my daughter, she talks about it every year. My family along with all my peers in science and medicine inspire and motivate me to remain in a career dedicated to scientific exploration and discovery.”