We are excited to share that Hasnaa Hossam Abo Shosha, a Ph.D. student in Atmospheric Sciences, has been awarded the 2025 Women in Physics (WiP) Graduate Scholarship, funded by the Elizabeth and Richard Henes Center for Quantum Phenomena.
This recognition highlights Hasnaa’s exceptional academic achievements, dedication to research, and commitment to fostering a supportive scientific community.
Beginning last academic year, WiP launched two scholarship categories — one for graduate students and one for undergraduates in the physics department. The $2,000 award is designed to financially support students while recognizing their efforts to promote well-being and success in the academic community. This initiative underscores WiP’s dedication to building a campus culture that values opportunity, community and leadership.
Hasnaa joined Michigan Tech in August 2024 as a Ph.D. student in Atmospheric Sciences under the mentorship of Professor Claudio Mazzoleni. She is originally from Giza, Cairo, Egypt, and holds a bachelor’s degree in space science from Helwan University. She also completed graduate-level coursework in astrophysics. Prior to coming to Michigan Tech, Hasnaa worked as a physics teaching assistant at the American University in Cairo, Canadian International College, Helwan University. Her earlier research in Egypt focused on the morphology of ionospheric irregularities, particularly plasma bubbles that can affect satellite communications.
Hasnaa’s application for the WiP Scholarship was selected through a rigorous two-round review process. A team of four independent reviewers evaluated all submissions anonymously using a detailed rubric. Applicants were required to submit an essay addressing their scientific aspirations, challenges within their academic communities, strategies for promoting collaboration, and the specific skills they hoped to gain through the scholarship. When the final review resulted in a tie, the reviewers were asked to vote, and Hasnaa received the most votes.
“The applicant presents a clear and well-organized vision that ties their academic goals to outreach, mentorship, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Their statement is thoughtful and demonstrates how the scholarship would directly support their growth and contributions to the Michigan Tech community,” one reviewer commented.
This scholarship marks a significant milestone in Hasnaa’s academic journey and reflects WiP’s broader mission to empower students and cultivate a more collaborative scientific environment at Michigan Tech.
Women in Physics is a registered student organization at Michigan Tech dedicated to fostering a supportive environment for all individuals. Membership is open to all undergraduate and graduate students, regardless of major or background. Through workshops, mentorship, outreach and community-building events, WiP supports students across campus in their academic and professional journeys. WiP has organized numerous events, and one of its most notable accomplishments was successfully hosting the APS Conference for Undergraduate Women and Gender Minorities in Physics (CUWiP) in January 2025.
WiP’s current executive includes Fathima Farheen Nambipunnilath Siddique, president; Hasnaa Abo Shosha, vice president; Emma Boston, secretary; Grace Nelson, treasurer; Alyssa Horne, scholarship secretary; Krishna Teja Vedula, colloquium secretary; and Nayana Suresh Palaparambil, social media coordinator.
About the Physics Department
Physicists at Michigan Technological University help students apply academic concepts to real-world issues. Our physicists take on the big questions to discover how the universe works—from the smallest particles to the largest galaxies. The Physics Department offers three undergraduate degrees and three graduate degrees. Supercharge your physics skills to meet the demands of a technology-driven society at a flagship public research university powered by science, technology, engineering, and math. Graduate with the theoretical knowledge and practical experience needed to solve real-world problems and succeed in academia, research, and tomorrow’s high-tech business landscape.
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