“It was a great experience”: ND-ACES researcher Hanmant Gaikwad looks back and looks ahead

As he prepares to defend his dissertation this spring, Hanmant Gaikwad, a doctoral student at NDSU, reflects on a research journey shaped by interdisciplinary collaboration, hands-on learning, and the opportunities made possible through ND-ACES and ND EPSCoR.

Gaikwad began his academic training in India, where he completed his undergraduate degree and master's degree in mechanical engineering, with a specialization in machine design. While exploring Ph.D. programs, he learned about NDSU through a graduate of the Materials and Nanotechnology program.

When Gaikwad began at NDSU, he was immediately assigned to an ND-ACES project through Dr. Dinesh Katti’s work. His early research focused on the Computational pillar, where he conducted molecular dynamics simulations to study how certain proteins change structure under mechanical deformation. These proteins play a key role in cancer metastasis, and Gaikwad’s initial work helped establish parameters for later cancer cell modeling studies. “That was very important,” he said, explaining that “most of my future projects were linked to the initial study that I carried out.”

As his academic career progressed, Gaikwad expanded beyond computation. He became involved in materials development, materials characterization, and cell culture experiments, gaining experience across multiple research pillars. He described how working with collaborators at NDSU and other universities strengthened his interdisciplinary skills and helped him improve his research approach through feedback and collaboration.

Professional development was another key part of his experience. Gaikwad presented his work multiple times at the ND EPSCoR Annual State Conference, beginning with a virtual presentation during the COVID-19 pandemic and later presenting in person. For Gaikwad, the event was a “confidence building platform” that prepared him to present at international conferences. Attending poster sessions and presentations by other researchers also gave him a broader view of ND-ACES research and the many different approaches being used across the state.

Gaikwad is scheduled to defend his dissertation on May 7 and is actively seeking postdoctoral positions. His long-term goal is to pursue a career as an independent researcher, ideally in academia, though he is also open to industry research roles that allow for scientific independence.

Gaikwad described his time at NDSU as “a great experience,” particularly given the challenges of starting graduate school during the COVID-19 pandemic. Transitioning from a mechanical engineering background into cancer research was demanding, but he credited faculty, staff, and peers with providing consistent support. “Everybody helped me out,” he said.

Gaikwad said he is looking forward to celebrating with his lab group and organizing years of research data so that future students can build on his work. He expressed excitement about what lies ahead and gratitude for the opportunities he found through ND-ACES.