UA Physics Celebrates the Class of 2026
The University of Arizona Department of Physics proudly celebrated the Class of 2026 on May 15, joined by alumni, generous donors, graduating students, and their friends and family.
The event opened with remarks from Department Head Prof. Shufang Su, themed around electromagnetism, setting the tone for an evening of recognition and celebration. Faculty members Prof. Koen Visscher, Prof. Charles Wolgemuth, and Prof. Erich Varnes followed by presenting a wide range of awards and scholarships honoring student achievement.
This year’s graduating class includes 36 students earning a Bachelor of Science in Physics and 17 completing a Minor in Physics. At the graduate level, 12 students received Doctor of Philosophy degrees and two earned Master of Science degrees in Physics.
Dr. John Engel, a Physics alumnus and longtime supporter of the department, delivered inspiring remarks to the graduates. A highlight of the evening was a special performance of “Long Live” by Taylor Swift, performed by Adrian Rose and Catherine Snyder alongside physics faculty members Rachel Hyneman, Charles Wolgemuth, and Srin Manne. The performance provided a memorable and celebratory moment for all in attendance, thoughtfully organized by Srin Manne. Enjoy a short clip of the song here.
Award Recipients
Galileo Circle Scholars
- Undergraduate: Arshia Akhtarkavan, Scarlett Bolton, Diptiman Bora, Pradhiman Bora
- Graduate: Heng-Wei Chang, Annyun Das, Liam Frank, Sarthak Hajirnis
Spring 2026 Lucy Engel Undergraduate Research Symposium
- Best Presentation Award: Henry Arnpriester
- Best Poster Award: Izzy Marcy
AY 2026–2027 Department of Physics Scholarships
- Cubic Corporation Scholarship: Violet Feinberg, Aarna Mantha, Nova Scott
- George Gregson Scholarship in Physics: Diptiman Bora, Aditya Ghosh
- The Kenneth S. Krane Physics Scholarship: Jane Mocko
- Dr. Roger Haar Memorial Scholarship: Izzy Marcy
- Niels and Anna Thompson Scholarship in Physics: Jessie Larson
- Vesto M. Slipher Scholarship: Julian Hood
- The Weaver Award for Undergraduate Research in Physics: Arshia Akhtarkavan, Robin Alvarez, Apollo Deeney, Phouc “Thomas” Nguyen, Jorge Blanquer Redondo, Sepehr Salamut, William Wadsworth, Lauren Whitaker
- John A. Leavitt Experimental Physics Prize: Namit Chandak, Vaibhav Joshi
- The William S. Bickel Graduate Fellowship in Physics: Yasar Mutlu
Fanfare Graduate Travel Award
- Pritam Bangal, Shaam Nobel, Brianna Billingsley, Anna Roche, Dipayan Biswas, Mohamed Sennary, Sarah Blask, Trevor Stanfill, Nisnat Chakraborty, Dylan Tooley, Annyun Das
Those who were unable to attend can watch a recording of the ceremony on the department’s YouTube channel.
The success of the event was made possible through the efforts of many contributors. Kyle Rine managed all aspects of video production, including recording, Zoom, and YouTube streaming. Katie Butcher coordinated event logistics ranging from the flyer and RSVP process to the program, slides, and reception. Additional thanks go to David Smith for coordinating the program, along with Clare DeBuhr and Melissa Walton for their support. The celebration was truly a team effort.
