Filomena Nunes receives MSU’s William J. Beal Outstanding Faculty Award

Filomena Nunes, managing director for the FRIB Theory Alliance and professor of physics, will receive the William J. Beal Outstanding Faculty Award from Michigan State University (MSU) on 5 February.

Administered by the All-University Awards Committee, the annual Beal awards recognize members of MSU’s regular faculty for outstanding service to the university. Recipients are nominated by their college/unit, and the awards committee makes the final selection.

“I felt very thankful to the kind people that chose to spend precious time writing letters and preparing a strong package for the university,” said Nunes. “I appreciate that the university has such a program; the fact that my work is being recognized makes me feel a sense of belonging. And be sure, I will pass on the kindness.”

Nunes is involved in group research on low-energy nuclear reaction theory and uncertainty quantification. She plans to continue to work with the U.S. Department of Energy and the nuclear community to grow the efforts of the FRIB Theory Alliance and ensure its success. The FRIB Theory Alliance is a coalition of scientists from universities and national laboratories who seek to foster advancements in theory related to diverse areas of FRIB science; optimize the coupling between theory and experiment; and stimulate the field by creating permanent theory positions across the country, attracting young talent through the national FRIB Theory Fellow Program, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations, and shepherding international initiatives.

“Also, I am as dedicated as ever to improve the environment for women and underrepresented minorities in our field and am pursuing several ideas along these lines including a course for women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and the Division of Nuclear Physics of the America Physical Society allies program,” she said.

“Congratulations to Filomena. We should all strive to emulate her commitment and dedication to students, postdocs, FRIB, and MSU,” said FRIB Laboratory Director Thomas Glasmacher. “She is truly deserving of this award.”