MDU Student Vanshika chosen for $22,000 solar research by Australian University
Vanshika Gahlawat—a student from the 2023-25 batch of the Department of Physics at MDU, Rohtak and a resident of the village Kheri Sadh—has been selected for a significant research project at the prestigious University of Adelaide in Australia.
Girish Saini
Apr 23, 2026 10:43
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Rohtak, April 23, 2026: Vanshika Gahlawat—a student from the 2023-25 batch of the Department of Physics at MDU, Rohtak and a resident of the village Kheri Sadh—has been selected for a significant research project at the prestigious University of Adelaide in Australia.
This research project undertaken by Vanshika is poised to prove transformative for the future of solar energy. She will be working on "Durable Quantum-Cutting Composites." The objective of this technology is to enhance the efficiency of solar panels that tend to degrade in harsh environments, such as those found on trucks, ships, or aircraft.
Vanshika will develop a specialized protective layer designed to help convert harmful UV rays into electricity. The estimated cost of this research project is approximately $22,000, which will be funded through competitive grants. The project will be guided by the Australian scientist Prof. Heike Ebendorff-Heidepriem. The project also features an industrial collaboration with Praxis Labs, which will provide a significant boost to its technological development.
MDU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Milap Punia congratulated Vanshika on this global success and extended his best wishes to her. He described Vanshika's achievement as an inspiration for other students. The HoD, Prof. A.S. Maan—along with faculty members Prof. R.P. Tandon, Prof. Rajesh Punia, Prof. Sajjan Dahiya, and Prof. Anil Ohlyan—also extended their congratulations and best wishes to Vanshika on this success.
Attributing her success to the faculty members of the Physics Department, Vanshika said, "My goal is to resolve societal problems through the medium of science. This project at the University of Adelaide will provide me with the opportunity to learn from international-level experts and work in state-of-the-art laboratories."
