Meet KAUST prospective student: Vishal Khandelwal

About

-By Taruna Rapaka

Vishal Khandelwal is a physics graduate from India. He obtained his master’s degree from the Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur, and his bachelor’s degree from the University of Delhi, India. Vishal will join KAUST in the fall of 2020 as a Ph.D. candidate and member of the Advanced Semiconductor Laboratory under the supervision of Professor Xiaohang Li.

What was your main subject during your master’s degree? Why did you choose it?

My main subject was physics during my master’s degree. I was very much interested in the phenomena of physics and its application in future technology.

Why have you chosen to study a Ph.D. at KAUST?

KAUST is a world-class research facility with a pool of excellent researchers from around the world. So, it is good to opt for KAUST for research.

When did your interest in electrical engineering arise? What are your research interests? 

My interest in electrical engineering arose when I visited the electronics lab in the electrical engineering department at the Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur. It is very interesting to know and learn about devices, chips and circuits. My research interest includes large-area fabrication of electronic and optoelectronic devices for future technology.

What do you do in your spare time? What are you passionate about?

I like reading novels, playing and watching cricket. My passion is to develop technology which can make life easier.

What is your future outlook?

I see my future in the semiconductor industry. I aim to become an entrepreneur and want to have a startup to develop promising semiconductor devices.

Can you give a piece of advice to students who plan to pursue a M.S./Ph.D. at KAUST?

My advice to potential students is to dream big and work hard to achieve it.