2020 William G. Larsen, PhD Memorial Award for Best Teaching Assistant

Mr. Hatem Babaa of the Optical Science and Engineering Program

About the Winner:

Mr. Hatem Babaa is a Ph.D. student in the Optical Science and Engineering, (OSE) program at the University of New Mexico, (UNM). He got both his BSc and MSc in Physics from the University of Jordan. He joined the Ph.D. program in OSE to improve himself. Moreover, the doctoral degree would allow him to be an effective member in the academic community and the degree affords him the ability to utilize science to serve humanity.

Mr. Babaa enjoys teaching experimental physics because it is the bridge between theory and daily life applications, and he believes that is how the beauty of physics is shown. While studying for his MSc, Mr. Babaa worked as a teaching assistant in the physics labs at the University of Jordan for four years. Following his graduation, he worked as a lecturer for eight years at different universities. He is proud to be a teaching assistant in the physics labs at UNM. Mr Babaa said “the most important benefit from this award is that it motivates me to give more to my students and the science community. I will always do my best and keep you proud of me. Thank you again for this generous recognition.”

William G. Larsen, PhD Memorial Award

Established in memory of William G. Larsen Ph.D., this fund provides support for Master’s or Doctoral degree candidates within the area of Math and/or Physics. The UNM Physics and Astronomy department utilizes this fund to recognize a worthy recipient with the Best Teaching Assistant award at the department’s annual convocation ceremony.