Impact Stories

Alumnus Fawwaz Habbal (MS Physics ’73) is a long-time supporter of his alma mater. He recently established a scholarship to support women students majoring in the sciences. “It’s something I have wanted to do for a long time,” he says. “My goal is to eventually endow a scholarship fund to provide enduring support.”

Habbal is acutely aware of what a difference even a small scholarship can make to a student who is struggling financially – and fully supports AUB’s commitment to provide a generous financial assistance program. “The scholarship I received at AUB was crucial for my higher education. I believe that even a small scholarship can significantly impact young scientists, nurturing their research skills and career foundations. AUB’s commitment to selecting top-tier students is something I strongly support. Through this scholarship, I am helping to support AUB’s commitment.”

But Habbal’s contribution extends beyond financial aid; it embodies the spirt of giving back to the institution that shaped his academic and professional life. Associate Vice President for Development Walid Katergi remarks, “The support of alumni and friends like Fawwaz Habbal is critical to the university’s ability to award a record amount of financial assistance. We are deeply grateful for his philanthropy.”

Although Habbal left Lebanon and AUB in 1973 to pursue a PhD in physics at the University of Cincinnati, his heart remains tethered to his alma mater. He considered returning to the region on several occasions but has instead pursued a successful career in the United States, spanning the business world and academia.

He has been a senior lecturer in applied physics at the Harvard University School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) since 2008 where he has held several senior administrative positions including the director of graduate engineering studies and the director of the master of design engineering program. He was also SEAS executive dean for education and research for 10 years (2011-21).

After completing his PhD and his postdoctoral research at the University of Colorado-Boulder, and at Harvard University, Habbal began working in industry, first at Polaroid Corporation where he became a VP responsible for research and product design and later when he established a series of digital imaging companies. “I have been an inventor and an entrepreneur for as long as I can remember,” he says. Habbal is currently the founder of MetaPhos Technologies, Inc., a pioneering company that leverages nanostructured materials to create solid-state multispectral sensors, cutting-edge imaging software, and advanced machine learning systems to identify, categorize, and quantify many materials. “It will be a game changer,” he confidently asserts.

Reflecting on his academic roots at AUB, Habbal says that his education laid a strong foundation for a career that transcended academia and business. “I was fortunate to learn from several professors who significantly shaped my understanding of physics and its applications, and provided me with some invaluable problem-solving skills,” he shares. The Physics Department in the early 1970s, in Habbal’s memory, was “a collaborative and productive environment.” He is especially grateful to Professors Eugene Somoza and Gary E. Watson who played pivotal roles in shaping his scientific journey and human skills. Somoza in particular was an exceptional mentor who guided Habbal in securing a position for his PhD studies in the US, while Professor Watson imparted invaluable knowledge in experimental research methods, electronics, mechanical systems, and scientific writing. Thanks to their mentorship, Habbal published four papers while doing his master’s at AUB. Summing up his time at AUB, he asserts, “My time at AUB was transformational.”

Habbal is far left in the photo above at Commencement 1973 standing next to his mother, Zaher; his father, Nassouh, standing behind his mother; Shadia Rifai (MS Physics ’73); and her parents, Riad and Naim.