The Nigerian Society of Physical Sciences is pleased to celebrate ๐๐ซ. ๐๐ฎ๐ก๐๐ฆ๐ฆ๐๐ ๐๐๐ฆ๐ณ๐ ๐๐๐๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ค๐๐ซ๐ข๐ฆ as our Spotlight Member of the Week.
How glass, light, radiation, and locally available materials can be understood and transformed into useful solutions is one important question that lies at the centre of Dr. Hamzaโs scientific journey.
Dr. Muhammad Hamza Abdulkarim is a physicist whose career reflects a commitment to research, teaching, and the practical application of physical science. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Physics from the University of Maiduguri and his Master of Science degree in Applied Physics, with a focus on Radiation and Medical Physics, from Nasarawa State University, Keffi. He later obtained a Ph.D. in Applied Physics, specialising in Glass Science and Photonics, from Universiti Putra Malaysia. He currently works at the Federal University of Lafia.
His research focuses on radiation and medical physics, glass science, photonics, and the development and characterisation of functional materials. A major part of his work examines the structural, optical, thermal, elastic, and radiation-related properties of glass systems and how these properties can be improved for scientific applications.
Through studies involving borotellurite glasses, borosilicate glasses, zinc tellurite systems, erbium and neodymium nanoparticles, silver oxide, bismuth compounds, and other material combinations, Dr. Hamza investigates how composition influences the behaviour and performance of glass materials. His work contributes to a broader understanding of materials that may be useful in optical, photonic, medical, and radiation-related applications.
Another important aspect of his research is the use of locally available and waste-derived materials. His work has explored silica obtained from rice husk and has also contributed to research on extracting pure amorphous silica from rice-milling waste. This reflects an interest in turning materials that might otherwise be discarded into resources for scientific and technological development.
The mission behind his work is clear: to contribute to the understanding and development of materials that can support advances in physics, photonics, radiation science, and related technologies. His research also demonstrates how careful scientific investigation can connect fundamental physical principles with practical materials and locally relevant resources.
Dr. Hamza has authored and co-authored numerous scholarly publications across materials science, radiation physics, optics, and applied physics, which reflects the range of his research interests and his continuing contribution to scientific discussions on glass systems, optical properties, radiation attenuation, environmental radioactivity, and sustainable material development. They also show the collaborative nature of his work across different areas of physical science.
Beyond publishing, Dr. Hamza has contributed to the wider scientific community through professional service. He serves as a reviewer for the Journal of Non-Crystalline Solids and has participated in scientific conferences and workshops. An active ย member of the Nigerian Institute of Physics and the Nigerian Society of Physical Sciences.
His personal motto is:
โLet the sun pay the bills.โ
For Dr. Hamza, this expression reflects a philosophy: his journey in academia is driven by his genuine love for physics, research, and learning, rather than by the expectation that academia alone must pay his bills. He believes in pursuing science because of the fulfilment it brings while developing other practical means of supporting himself.
Outside his professional responsibilities, Dr. Hamza has a strong interest in handwork. This interest reflects another side of his personality, one that values practical skills, creativity, independence, and the ability to build useful things beyond the academic environment.
Looking ahead, his long-term dream is to become a Professor of Physics. He hopes to continue developing his research, contributing to knowledge, teaching future generations of scientists, and building a career defined by both academic excellence and a genuine passion for physics.
The Nigerian Society of Physical Sciences proudly celebrates Dr. Muhammad Hamza Abdulkarim for his contributions to applied physics, glass science, photonics, radiation physics, materials research, scientific publishing, and professional service.
His journey shows that a meaningful scientific career can be built on curiosity, passion, practical thinking, and the determination to pursue knowledge for the love of science itself.