2026 Physics Staff and Faculty Awards
The University of Arizona Department of Physics recognized its 2026 Staff and Faculty Award recipients during the spring graduation ceremony on May 15, 2026. These awards highlight outstanding contributions across teaching, service, outreach, and departmental support.
Outstanding Staff Award
Katie Butcher is recognized for her extraordinary dedication, technical mastery, and vital contributions to the Department of Physics' operational success. Stepping up as the sole staff member managing the academic office during a period of significant staffing shortages, Katie transformed administrative challenges into streamlined successes. Known for balancing rapid execution with meticulous quality, she acts as the "hero behind the scenes" for the department’s major events and community gatherings.
Service Award
In recognition of an extraordinary 37 years of dedicated service to the physics department and the University of Arizona, Mike Eklund is honored for his dual excellence as IT support specialist and (former) building manager. Beyond his vital technical skill and operational expertise, Mike has infused the department with a signature warmth and hospitality, ensuring a seamless, welcoming, and deeply supported environment for generations of faculty, staff, and students.
Undergraduate Teaching Award
Prof. Rachel Hyneman is recognized for her ability to transform challenging PHYS 371 concepts into engaging, accessible lectures while maintaining a fair and supportive academic environment. She combines fair, high-quality instruction with extraordinary compassion. Students deeply appreciate her profound kindness and willingness to go above and beyond with accommodations, ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to truly succeed.
Graduate Teaching Award
Prof. Nikolay Golubev is recognized for delivering an engaging and comprehensive curriculum that seamlessly bridges foundational quantum mechanics with cutting-edge AMO physics research. Students highly commend his passion, exceptionally clear conceptual explanations, and supportive course structure, all of which make complex theoretical material accessible, rewarding, and deeply educational.
Recognition for Outstanding Outreach
Prof. Srin Manne is recognized for his extraordinary, two-decade leadership of the department’s physics outreach program, culminating in the creation and successful revitalization of the Physics Outreach Course (PHYS 596A). Through his innovative partnership with the Flandrau Science Center, he has masterfully recruited, trained, and mentored undergraduate educators to deliver inspiring scientific demonstrations, enriching the lives of countless visiting school children and university students alike.
The department extends its congratulations to this year’s recipients for their exceptional contributions and lasting impact on the University of Arizona Physics community.