Mostafa Fawzy developed a fascination for physics during his secondary education. It was the “grace and contradiction” of quantum theory that captivated him and propelled his academic pursuits at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. However, despite having a robust educational foundation and encouraging mentors, Fawzy sought additional resources. MIT Open Learning’s OpenCourseWare turned out to be exactly what he needed.  

Currently a PhD candidate in atomic physics at Alexandria University and an assistant lecturer of physics at Alamein International University in Egypt, Fawzy reflects on how MIT OpenCourseWare enhanced his learning experience early in his graduate journey in 2019.  

Part of MIT Open Learning, OpenCourseWare provides complimentary, online educational materials from over 2,500 courses covering the MIT undergraduate and graduate curriculum. Fawzy was in search of advanced materials to support his investigations in quantum mechanics and theoretical physics. He was immediately impressed by the exceptional quality, availability, and scope of MIT’s offerings. 

“OpenCourseWare was revolutionary in enriching my comprehension of advanced physics,” Fawzy remarks. “I discovered the organized lectures and assignments in quantum physics especially helpful. They refined both my theoretical knowledge and practical problem-solving abilities—skills I subsequently utilized in research on atomic systems affected by magnetic fields and plasma conditions.” 

He engaged with educational materials such as Quantum Physics I and Quantum Physics II, describing them as “dense and mathematically intricate.” He met the challenge by approaching the content from various angles: first, by merely listening to the lectures, then by taking thorough notes, and eventually by tackling problem sets. Though he initially found it challenging to keep pace, this systematic method proved beneficial, he states. 

Fawzy is now nearing the conclusion of his doctoral research on precision atomic calculations under extreme conditions. During his time in graduate school, he has authored eight peer-reviewed international research papers, establishing himself as one of the most productive doctoral researchers in physics currently operating in Egypt. He acted as an ambassador for the United Nations International Youth Conference (IYC), and he has received nominations for both the African Presidential Leadership Program and the Davisson–Germer Prize in Atomic or Surface Physics, a prestigious annual award presented by the American Physical Society.  

He expresses gratitude to his undergraduate mentors, professors M. Sakr and T. Bahy of Alexandria University, in addition to MIT OpenCourseWare, which he regards as a “consistent ally through numerous solitary nights of studying, a guiding light during times when formal resources were scarce, and a living symbol of the virtue of open, unrestricted education.”  

Acknowledging the significance of guidance and instruction, Fawzy acts as an academic mentor with the African Academy of Sciences, assisting early-career researchers across the continent in theoretical and atomic physics. 

“Numerous mentees face challenges accessing advanced academic materials,” he explains. “I consistently integrate OpenCourseWare into our mentoring sessions, employing it as a foundational teaching and reference resource. It serves as an equalizer, delivering the same high-quality content to students regardless of geographical or institutional barriers.” 

Looking ahead, Fawzy has ambitious aspirations influenced by MIT. 

“I aim to establish a regional hub for excellence in atomic and plasma physics, merging pioneering research with open-access education in the Global South,” he states. 

As he advances in his research and teaching endeavors, he also aspires to impact science policy and contribute to international collaborations that highlight research and science in developing countries. 

Along the journey, he asserts, “OpenCourseWare remains a fundamental resource that I will continuously turn to.” 

Fawzy indicates he’s also keen on MIT Open Learning materials in computational physics and energy and sustainability. He’s following MIT’s Energy Initiative, deeming it increasingly relevant to his current research and future objectives. 

Fawzy champions open learning and exemplifies its efficacy. 

“The intellectual seeds nurtured by Open Learning resources such as MIT OpenCourseWare have thrived within me, molding my identity as a physicist and affirming my profound belief in the transformative potential of freely shared knowledge, devoid of barriers,” he remarks.