Physics Newsblog

Tag: Graduate

Fathima Farheen Elected Secretary of APS FGSA Executive Committee

Published
By
Fathima Farheen
APS FGSA secretary, Fathima Farheen Nambipunnilath Siddique,

Fathima Farheen Nambipunnilath Siddique has been elected as secretary of the American Physical Society’s Forum on Graduate Student Affairs (APS FGSA) Executive Committee.

Fathima, a Ph.D. candidate in Atmospheric Sciences, was nominated by the FGSA Nominating Committee and subsequently elected by its members to serve in this important position. FGSA works to increase graduate student involvement in the APS, provides valuable support services, advocates for graduate student needs, and encourages active participation in professional activities and decision-making within the physics community.

Originally from India, Fathima earned her bachelor’s degree in physics from Christ College and her master’s degree in physics from the National Institute of Technology, Calicut, India. She joined Michigan Tech in spring 2022 as a Ph.D. student under the guidance of Kartik Iyer. Her research explores the complex world of turbulent flows, with a focus on uncovering their topological and geometrical aspects, which could help advance our understanding of their underlying dynamics.

Fathima has been actively involved in leadership roles throughout her time at Michigan Tech. In addition to this exciting new position, she currently serves as president of Michigan Tech’s Women in Physics (WiP) student organization and previously held the role of secretary. She has led impactful initiatives to build community, strengthen student involvement and create a supportive scientific environment through WiP. WiP is open to all undergraduate and graduate students, regardless of major. They work to support the campus community through a variety of workshops, mentorship opportunities, outreach efforts and community-building activities that help students thrive academically and professionally.

Fathima’s election to this national leadership position is a proud moment for the physics department and highlights her dedication, energy and commitment to advocating for graduate students in physics. Congratulations, Fathima!

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.

Questions? Contact us at physics@mtu.edu. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube for the latest happenings. Or read more at the Physics Newsblog.

Continue Reading →

Hasnaa Hossam Abo Shosha Receives WiP Graduate Scholarship

Published
By
Hasnaa Hossam Abo Shosha
PhD Candidate Hasnaa Hossam Abo Shosha

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.

Questions? Contact us at physics@mtu.edu. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube for the latest happenings. Or read more at the Physics Newsblog.

Continue Reading →