Making Physics Fun and Accessible
It starts with a moment—when a student’s fear of a subject is transformed into curiosity.
For Dr. Karim Hossain, that moment happens every day in his physics classroom at PennWest’s Edinboro campus. Originally from Bangladesh, Dr. Hossain's
journey into teaching was shaped by mentors who saw his ability to connect with students.
Encouraged to explore education, he shifted his focus from laser physics to physics
education, developing innovative teaching methods along the way.
Physics can be intimidating, but Dr. Hossain believes it doesn’t have to be. Instead of dry lectures, he fills his classroom with hands-on demonstrations, interactive experiments, and a touch of humor. “If students are relaxed, they’re ready to learn,” he explains. His office is packed with gadgets, toys, and tools—each one a conversation starter that turns complex theories into tangible experiences.
Over the years, Dr. Hossain has watched countless students go from struggling with physics to thriving in it. One of his former students, inspired by his digital electronics class, went on to join a research team that contributed to a Nobel Prize-winning project. It’s stories like these that fuel his passion for teaching.
For Dr. Hossain, success isn’t just about mastering formulas—it’s about making physics accessible, exciting, and, most importantly, fun.
Listen to Dr. Hossain's story on the Power of PennWest Podcast