Congratulations to Prof. Srin Manne: Gerald J. Swanson Award for Teaching Excellence

 

The Department of Physics would like to congratulate Professor Srin Manne for winning of the University of Arizona Gerald J. Swanson Award for Teaching Excellence this year!  This award recognizes faculty members who demonstrate extraordinary commitment to the success and intellectual growth of our students.

 

Prof. Manne's reputation among students as an engaging, thoughtful, and deeply committed instructor speaks to the consistency and strength of his work. His teaching is defined by both intellectual rigor and genuine care for our students. He brings clarity and enthusiasm to complex physics concepts, guiding students step by step in ways that build both competence and confidence. His classroom is one where students feel supported and challenged, knowing they have an ally invested in their success. This commitment extends well beyond instruction, as reflected in one student’s words: “Manne is the best professor I have ever had. I realized Dr. Manne was more than a physics professor, but someone who was dedicated to the well-being of his students outside the classroom.”

 

Prof. Manne has also created and led initiatives that broaden access to physics and strengthen educational pathways, from K–12 outreach programs reaching thousands of students to research experiences that support transfer students in entering laboratory environments. He has spearheaded new degree programs locally (Applied Physics degree)  and internationally (HEBUT microcampus program), aligning curricula, building partnerships, and expanding opportunities for students across contexts. As a mentor, he is equally generous with his time and expertise, supporting junior faculty and students alike with practical guidance and a collaborative spirit that strengthens the academic community.

 

Earlier this year, Prof. Manne won the College of Science Distinguished Career Teaching Award, which honors his long career of excellence in classroom teaching and mentoring. He is an absolute asset of the department.  However, he describes himself as “I am just doing my job.  I don’t think I did anything unusual”. It is exactly his normal doing which makes him truly extraordinary.  He is doing what he thinks he needs to be doing as a professor. The responsibility has built into his mind as default, and almost becomes an instinct.  To teach and to support becomes his second nature. His compassion shines through his routine activities, and deeply touches anyone who interacts with him.  Professor Shufang Su noted "I feel extremely fortunate to have a colleague like him, and to be in a department with such dedicated faculty. He made me proud to be a physicist, to feel privileged to have the ability to impact lives of students, helping them to build up not only their physics knowledge, but also their career and life". 

 

We proudly celebrate Professor Manne’s continued commitment to excellence in teaching, mentorship, and student success, which exemplifies the very best of our department.