2021 William G. Larsen, PhD Memorial Award for Best Teaching Assistant

About the Winner:

Mr. Alhassan Ahmed was born in Nima, a suburb of Accra, the capital city of Ghana. He obtained his BSc in Physics and Mathematics from University of Ghana in 2016. In 2017, obtained MSc degree in Applied Mathematics from University of New Mexico. Mr. Alhassan is currently a PhD student in the Optical Science and Engineering at the University of New Mexico with a special interest in Microscopy.

Ahmed is enthralled with the teaching of Mathematics and Physics because, he holds view that, it is through these logical languages that we are able explain complexity of our universe.Through teaching, he said, "we expand both our intellectual repertoire and that of the students." Reciprocity as one cardinal tenet of teaching, presents us with opportunity to inculcate ideas into students and learn from the brilliant questions pose by them which sometimes challenges and engages our academic sensitivity.

Before joining the department of Physics and Astronomy, Ahmed has served as a teaching at the University of Ghana Physics department. He also served as Teaching at the Department of Mathematics at the UNM where taught and assisted mainly Calculus and linear Algebra.

Ahmed said quoting succinctly one of his mentors, Malcolm X, “………. All our experiences fuse into our personality. Everything that ever happened to us is an ingredient.” Emerging as a recipient of this prestigious award, did not only jet-propelled my motivation to strive for greater height to give back to the UNM community, my country, and the world at large, but also serves as a beacon of hope in the darkness forlornness and despondency that held my community (Nima) captive.

I finally want to thank you again for rekindling my confidence and spirit in pursuing my future goals and ambitions.

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.

 Picture: Alhassan Ahmed, OSE PHD Student and his nephew.