Hi, I'm Dhanvini.

PhD Candidate · Science Communicator · Educator · Community Builder

I am passionate about breaking down complex science to invoke curiosity through storytelling, visual media, talks, courses, and educational programs.

I am currently a PhD candidate in the Nano Energy Lab at Johns Hopkins University in the department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. My research work focuses on making quantum dots, using them to make new and interesting materials, making solar devices using these novel materials, and testing these new materials and devices to study how they behave.

Beyond the bench, I love to break down jargon into easily digestible info-bites through my social media channel Dhanvini Explores. I like to create content, curricula, and programs geared towards a non-scientific audience to explore science from a lens of curiosity. So that we view science as something to be understood, used, and applied, instead of a mysterious black box. My passion lies in facilitating learning through exploration. I thrive in collaborative spaces where we work together to create new ways to make that happen.

I am also passionate about Indian classical dance and community building. I founded BMore Natyam. This has grown to be a creative dance community of Bharatanatyam dancers looking for ways to come together to learn, create, and grow their art.

Do you want to work with me? → Email me

Teaching · Research · Mentorship

Academic

I have research experience in experimental techniques such as material synthesis, device fabrication, nanofabrication, thin film processing. I also have expertise in material, optical and electronic characterization techniques. Along with experimental work, I have experience with device simulation software and device data processing. You can find a full list of my publications and research projects in my CV.

I have served as a course and teaching assistant for courses in electrical and computer engineering, mentored several high school, undergraduate, and graduate students in research. I am passionate about designing curricula and delivering courses in general electronics, nano-materials, and optoelectronics.

Courses — Johns Hopkins University

Advanced Optical Instruments

Whiting School of Engineering

Course Assistant

Introduction to Optical Instruments

Whiting School of Engineering

Course Assistant

Photovoltaic Devices

Whiting School of Engineering

Teaching Assistant · Guest Lecturer

Introduction to Renewable Energy Engineering

Whiting School of Engineering

Teaching Assistant · Guest Lecturer

Pedagogy Training & Certifications

JHU Teaching Academy

Educational Scholarship Methods · JEDI in the Classroom: Fostering Inclusive Learning Environments · Teaching Institute Certification

CIRTL Network

Evidence-Based Undergraduate STEM Teaching · Incorporating Active Learning — learning objectives design, active learning strategies, inclusive classroom practice

Recent Journal Publications

A Novel Synthesis Approach to Quasi-Stable Ultra-small PbS CQDs for Multijunction Solar Cells

Dhanvini Gudi*, Delancy Ma*, Joseph Zoller IV, Jill Cleveland, Susanna M. Thon

Manuscript in preparation · 2026

Solution-Exfoliated WSe₂ as a Hole Transport Material for PbS Colloidal Quantum Dot Solar Cells

Dhanvini Gudi*, Arlene Chiu*, Dana C. Kachman, Serene Kamal, Eric Rong, Yucheng Lan, Susanna M. Thon

Manuscript in preparation · 2026

Solar-Matched Colloidal Quantum Dots / Metal-Organic Framework Hybrid Materials for Photo-Induced Charge Transfer

Dhanvini Gudi*, Kevin J. Bennett*, Jill M. Cleveland, Luke R. O'Connor, Gregory Foley, James R. Wilkes, Kyle S. Barcus, Hoon Jeong Lee, Arthur E. Bragg, Jier Huang, Susanna M. Thon, V. Sara Thoi

Manuscript under review · Nov 2025

Charge Transfer in Hybrid Quantum Dot / Metal-Organic Framework Systems: Current Understanding and Future Challenges

Kyle Barcus, Jill Cleveland, Dhanvini Gudi, Kevin Bennett, Susanna M. Thon, V. Sara Thoi

Coordination Chemistry Reviews, Vol. 542 · Aug 2025

Recent Conference Presentations

Synthesis and Characterization of Hybrid Quantum Dot–Metal Organic Framework Composites for Photobatteries

Dhanvini Gudi, Kevin J. Bennett, Kyle Barcus, Jill Cleveland, Susanna M. Thon, V. Sara Thoi

The Electrochemical Society (ECS) Meeting · Chicago, USA · Oct 2025

Hybrid Multi-functional PbS Colloidal Quantum Dot Materials for Solar Cells and Photobatteries

Dhanvini Gudi, Arlene Chiu, Dana C. Kachman, Eric Rong, Kevin M. Bennett, V. Sara Thoi, Susanna M. Thon

IEEE PVSC · Gordon Research Conference · Les Diablerets, Switzerland · Jul 2024

Improving PbS Colloidal Quantum Dot Solar Cell Performance via Solution-Phase Engineering

Dhanvini Gudi, Arlene Chiu, Dana C. Kachman, Eric Rong, Susanna M. Thon

IEEE Photovoltaic Society Conference (PVSC) · San Juan, USA · Jun 2023

Full publication list on Google Scholar →

Communication · Education · Policy · Community

Scicomm & Outreach

I am passionate about making science accessible and meaningful. If you are looking for someone with expertise in science and technology with a passion for translating complex science for diverse audiences, let's talk! Here's a sample of the kind of work I like to make across video, writing, curriculum design, and outreach projects.

Substack Science

Thermoelectrics: How Electronic Charges Can Be Used For Cooling

Science blogging on Substack

Zine Article

Waste Not, Want Not: Engineering Powerful Technologies from Kitchen Scraps

A zine contribution to Project Bridge JHU exploring how everyday materials can be repurposed for engineering—making sustainability tangible for a general audience.

Listicle

5 Ways to Pursue That Passion Project You Have Always Been Too Busy For

A listicle to encourage STEAM project explorations written for Paper Crane Lab

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Paper Crane Lab — STEM + Art Curriculum on Instructables

As Content Developer and Educator at Paper Crane Lab (nonprofit, India), I co-designed and wrote STEAM tutorials on Instructables—garnering 80k+ views and winning a STEM Contest prize.

Art · Dance · Community

Art

Beyond research and science communication, I build community through art, movement, and culture.

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BMore Natyam — Indian Classical Dance Community

I founded BMore Natyam to bring Bharatanatyam (Indian classical dance) to Baltimore through free and donation-based sessions. The community has grown to 40+ dancers. I organize workshops, performances, and cultural celebrations through community events, building connection through movement across the city.

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Anxiety: Through Dance

A collaborative choreography depicting the onset of anxiety through Bharatanatyam and dialogue

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Bharatanatyam through fusion music

Collaborative Bharatanatyam choreographies on fusion music for Windmills Dance Festival, Baltimore

Collaborate · Create

Work With Me

I sit at the intersection of research, science communication, and creative arts: I'm an active researcher who also communicates, teaches, and builds community. If you would like to work with me on something, reach out to me below. Here are some ways I can help!

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Teaching, Curriculum Development & Mentoring

Lecturing, curriculum design (including K–12 and under-resourced classrooms), and one-on-one mentoring for students.

Work with me →

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Science Outreach, Curriculum Development

Creating STEM/STEAM education curriculum and programs for science outreach.

Create with me →

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Science Communication & Social Media Content

Short-form video, explainers, and written pieces. I would love to collaborate with scientists, labs and institutions that want to reach non-scientific audiences.

Collaborate on content →

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Research Collaboration

Semiconductor materials and devices, photovoltaics, and optical/electronic characterization. Open to academic and industry collaborations.

Discuss a project →

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Speaking & Guest Talks

Keynotes, guest lectures, panels, and outreach events pitched to anyone from specialists to the general public.

Invite me to speak →

Get in Touch