Trivanni Yadav was on the search for a doctorate physics program after completing her master’s degree at Central Michigan University. Looking through a graduate program directory, she discovered The University of Tulsa. What stood out to her about UTulsa was its wide range of research opportunities within the Department of Physics & Engineering Physics that aligned with her academic goals. She applied and received a graduate assistantship, along with additional financial support during her program. Now a doctoral candidate, she said the program has offered more than just academics.
“Even during the application stage, I was impressed by how responsive and helpful the Graduate School was in addressing my questions and concerns. That level of support made me feel confident that UTulsa would be the right place for both my academic and personal growth,” Yadav said.
Since coming to UTulsa, Yadav has published peer-reviewed papers, presented her research in Washington, D.C., in September 2025 and is scheduled to present in Denver in 2026. An international student from Delhi, India, she has found a strong support system in Tulsa.
She currently serves as president of the Physics Graduate Student Association and is one of the 118 American Physical Society (APS) Student Ambassadors, representing UTulsa among other national and international universities. In February 2026, she will be attending the APS Annual Leadership Meeting at Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., an invite-only event with leaders from the physics community. Yadav emphasized this all has made her feel accepted and valued.
“Living in this community has taught me so much and given me a deeper sense of humility and gratitude. I truly appreciate how welcoming the university’s environment is. And of course, it’s beautiful. The architecture and surroundings make it a wonderful place to live and learn every day.”
Yadav’s research focuses on batteries, finding ways to make them safer, cleaner and smarter. Conventional lithium-ion batteries rely on liquid electrolytes that are flammable, prone to leakage and degrade over time. This limits their safety and charging speed. Yadav is studying an alternative called Lithium Lanthanum Zirconium Oxide (LLZO), a solid electrolyte that is non-flammable and highly stable even under extreme conditions. It is also capable of conducting lithium ions efficiently.
“Using first-principles quantum simulations, I investigate how atomic-scale defects within LLZO influence the movement of lithium ions. Essentially, I aim to understand how certain defects can act as ‘express lanes’ that enhance ion mobility, an essential factor in improving battery performance,” she explained.
Yadav’s research also has implications for space exploration since space radiation, such as gamma rays, can interact with atoms. This can knock electrons out of place, creating radiation-induced defects. These can affect lithium-ion movement, revealing potential radiation effects that could be harmful or beneficial for battery performance in extreme environments. With this vast implication, her work could later transfer to real-world applications, ranging from creating long-lasting smartphones, electric vehicles that can charge in minutes and more efficient energy storage systems overall. With this relevant scholarship, Yadav’s work has been published and recognized for several awards.
“I have published two peer-reviewed papers in the Journal of Applied Physics and Ceramics International, and I have another manuscript in final edits that we expect to submit soon,” she said. “My work has also been recognized through the Distinguished Graduate Research Poster Award, where I was the sole top award recipient. I placed first out of 70 graduate student participants across all disciplines at The University of Tulsa.”
Yadav was also awarded the Iris M. Ovshinsky Travel Award on behalf of the American Physical Society’s Division of Materials Physics, a competitive award given to only 21 students worldwide to support travel to the APS Global Physics Summit 2025, one of the largest gatherings for physicists in the world. On her success, Yadav credits Sanwu Wang, Ph.D., the Ruth and William Kistler Jr. Endowed Chair in Physics & Engineering Physics, for his mentorship that has shaped her academically and personally. She is also thankful to Scott Holmstrom, Ph.D., dean of the Graduate School and professor of physics & engineering physics, for his encouragement and guidance.
Beyond research, Yadav also enjoys teaching. She has taught General Physics I for several years at UTulsa. She has also developed several online supplemental learning materials. These materials have been accessed by more than 300 undergraduate students, ranging from videos, examples and self-assessment quizzes.
“The entire Physics Department feels like a second family to me,” she said. “They are always supportive, encouraging and ready to help whenever needed.”
For those inspired by her journey, Yadav emphasized that research is about perseverance, persistence and consistency. She encourages one to speak up for their work, but to always be ready to learn and communicate.
“You have to show up and be vocal about your work, because doing a doctorate isn’t just about research and papers, it’s also about learning to communicate your science,” she said. “The journey can feel intimidating at first, but don’t let that stop you. Remind yourself that you’re not here by accident. You’ve earned your place. Stay strong and have faith in yourself.”