Dipa Ghindani”s journey from a small town in Maharashtra to Harvard University represents a remarkable cross-continental exploration in the field of science. Currently a post-doctoral fellow in the prestigious Capasso Group, she focuses on advanced materials and nanotechnology under the guidance of renowned physicist Federico Capasso.
Raised in Badnera, Maharashtra, Ghindani was encouraged by her father, a shopkeeper with a passion for literature, to pursue her curiosity. Her mother, a designer, infused creativity into her upbringing, while her older brother supported her inquisitiveness. “I grew up in a family where curiosity was celebrated,” she reflects, attributing her persistence and wonder to this nurturing environment.
Ghindani”s academic journey began at Manibhai Gujarati High School, where she experienced hands-on learning that ignited her passion for science. She later earned a degree in electronics and communication engineering from Amravati University. Her master”s research on solar panel efficiency at IIT-Bombay exposed her to cutting-edge laboratories and instilled a fascination with the interaction of light and matter.
Her academic pursuits led her to the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, where she specialized in micro and nanostructures, emphasizing the importance of curiosity in overcoming complex challenges. Ghindani received recognition for her work, winning the Best Project Award at TIFR”s Visiting Student Research Program.
Ghindani secured the prestigious Helmholtz Fellowship in Germany, where she innovated a unique “Pattern and Peel” technique for crafting microstructures on flexible films. This groundbreaking method marked a first in its field. Following her fellowship, she pursued a PhD at Tampere University in Finland, where she adapted to long winters and developed as an independent thinker while working on nano-antennas.
In 2023, she joined the Capasso Group at Harvard, concentrating on nanophotonics and tunable metasurfaces. Her research on metalenses—ultrathin lenses crafted from nanoscale structures—aims to revolutionize optical devices by replacing traditional bulky lenses with thinner, more efficient alternatives. “We are looking to replace millimeter-thick lenses with structures just a few microns thick,” she explains.
In addition to her primary research, Ghindani is involved in projects related to high-speed communication and quantum cascade lasers, alongside writing grant proposals. She has authored over 20 research papers and applied for patents, presenting her findings at international conferences, including CLEO and Meta. Her participation in the 73rd Lindau Nobel Laureate meeting in Germany highlighted her achievements, where she was selected to present her work among a gathering of Nobel laureates.
Reflecting on her experiences, Ghindani emphasizes the joy of overcoming challenges in scientific research, stating, “Our projects are like our babies. When something finally works after months of failure, the joy is indescribable.” As a woman in the STEM field, she recognizes the structural barriers that persist and advocates for better support systems to retain female scientists. “I feel science must be structured to nurture and retain talent, not just welcome it,” she asserts.
Ghindani is committed to returning to India to continue her scientific endeavors and advance her initiative, the Gyanastra Foundation. This non-profit organization aims to support underprivileged students in Maharashtra, providing education and resources to unlock their potential. As she concludes, Ghindani advises young women pursuing science to “stay curious and patient,” emphasizing that the courage to ask questions is paramount in scientific exploration.
