Written by: Paola Pinto May 1, 2024 Kirtan Dixit (left) Purva Diwanji (right), PhD students from the Department of Physics and Astronomy The pursuit of knowledge knows no boundaries, transcending borders and cultures; this is the story of a couple, Purva Diwanji and Kirtan Dixit, who embarked on a remarkable journey from India to the United States to pursue their dreams of obtaining a PhD from the Department of Physics and Astronomy in the College of Science at The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH). Diwanji and Dixit's academic journey began in their homeland, where they completed their bachelor's and master's degrees in physics. Despite excelling in academics, the limited availability of seats in their desired institutions in India drove them to seek alternative paths. Inspired by their professors and mentors who had pursued higher studies in the United States, they set their eyes on American universities, which changed the trajectory of their lives. Their search led them to UAH, which would allow them to have both of their areas of interest: astronomy and optics. With cosmology and optical crystals backgrounds, Diwanji and Dixit found UAH to be the perfect fit to pursue their respective research interests. Purva Diwanji in her office at the UAH Optics Building. Their arrival in Alabama was marked by a serendipitous encounter with a billboard message: "UAH: Finish What You Started," a reminder of the journey that would lay ahead. Despite the geographical distance from their homeland, they found comfort in the welcoming Southern hospitality and the support of the Department of Physics and Astronomy, specifically by Dr. James Miller, Chair and Professor, who recognized their potential and offered assistantship opportunities to facilitate their transition and focus on their studies. Diwanji's passion lies in the captivating field of x-ray astronomy, nurtured by her background in cosmology. As a graduate research assistant under the mentorship of Dr. Stephen Walker, she has not only contributed to successful NASA grant proposals and research publications but also enriched the field with her unique insights, using invaluable data from the Chandra X-ray telescope. Additionally, Diwanji has also served as a teaching assistant, lab instructor, and grader. She aims to continue her quest for exploration and discovery in the fascinating realm of astronomy, leaving a lasting impact on the field. Dixit, equipped with expertise in optical crystals from his education in India, discovered UAH as an ideal institution for his passion for optics and photonics research. Upon joining Dr. Don A. Gregory's group, he dedicated his efforts to studying optical coatings for the advancement of solid-state color filters and modulators. With the support of the Nano and Micro Devices Center at UAH and the collaborative efforts of UAH's optics groups, he successfully developed prototypes of dynamically tunable plan ar color filters, positioning UAH Department of Physics and Astronomy as the pioneering department in constructing all-solid-state dynamically tunable planar color filters. He has also served as an interim lecturer within the department, and he aspires to further his contributions in the field of optics and photonics. Kirtan Dixit in Nanophotonics and Optoelectronics lab led by Dr. Don Gregory. Despite the rigorous demands of their PhD programs, Diwanji and Dixit faced comprehensive exams, qualifiers, and the final stages of their research side by side. They are making history in their department as the first married couple to enter and complete the PhD program together. As they approach their May 2024 graduation, they reflect on how these shared experiences have strengthened their bond, having navigated through challenges and rejoiced in mutual accomplishments throughout their journey. As they anticipate embracing the next chapter of their lives, they carry invaluable lessons and cherished memories. They express profound gratitude for the UAH's key role in shaping their destinies. The College of Science extends heartfelt congratulations as proud witnesses to their remarkable achievements.
