Dhvanil D. Desai

Who Am I?

I am a PhD candidate at the Institute for Astronomy at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, where I work with Dr. Benjamin Shappee. My research focuses on understanding the explosive deaths of stars through large-scale statistical studies and detailed physical modeling. Specifically, I specialize in supernova rates, luminosity functions, and low-luminosity transients such as calcium-strong (Ca-strong) supernovae. I am an active member of several major transient surveys (including ASAS-SN, SCAT, ePESSTO+, POISE, and CSP), which allows me to contribute to the discovery and characterization of hundreds of astronomical transients.

Originally from India, I am now fortunate to call Hawaiʻi home. Outside of research, I am a passionate photographer, capturing flowers, landscapes, and the night sky. I also love to hike, spend time at the beach, and roller skate (the fast racing kind).