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Lycoming College is pleased to recognize the outstanding achievements of members of the Society of Physics Students (SPS) on campus. The chapter’s advisor Lauren Balliet and former president Maryam Haytham Esmat ’21 both were nominated for and received Outstanding Service Awards from the national organization.
“We are extremely appreciative of their devotion toward our organization and seek to show our gratitude through these awards,” said Amber Elinsky ’23, president of the Lycoming chapter. “We chose to nominate both Maryam and Lauren for the Outstanding Service Awards because they exemplify everything that our students are working toward achieving. They are passionate about our organization and have left a lasting impact on all of us that has changed us for the better.”
In her time as president of the Lycoming chapter, Esmat laid the groundwork for department growth, even in the midst of the global pandemic. In the words of Kirk Kleinsasser ’23, secretary of the Lycoming chapter, “She promoted inclusion and transparency in her leadership and set precedents for future executive boards.” Esmat additionally encouraged her peers to run not only for the Lycoming chapter officer positions but for the national council as well, championing the community for success.
The chapter also nominated Balliet for her consistent support and counsel for the physics community during the pandemic. In addition to advocating for the voices of the community, she promoted growth in the department and Lycoming SPS chapter.
“SPS is more than just a club,” said Kleinsasser. “We are a family. Our members provide a support network and community to nurture growth in our department. Esmat and Balliet both are excellent reflections of the SPS mission.”
The Lycoming Chapter of SPS is open to any student with an interest in Physics. There are more than 820 chapters nationwide that help students transform into contributing members of the professional physics community. More information on the organization can be found here: https://sps.lycoming.edu/.