Michael Hildreth, professor of physics, was the recipient of the 2010 Thomas P. Madden Award given by the First Year of Studies at the President’s Awards dinner. Hildreth has built a reputation for excellence in both teaching and research during his 11 years at Notre Dame, having spent most of those years teaching introductory physics to first year students. An internationally recognized researcher, he modernized the teaching of first year physics lectures and laboratories through his constant innovations, his inimitable classroom demonstrations and his generous mentoring of other faculty.
Hildreth guides his students through the wonders and difficulties of classical physics while inspiring them to see the connections between classroom material and his own research at the forefront of experimental high-energy physics. As a dynamic young faculty member who has successfully balanced teaching, research and service, he is a role model for young physics majors, many of who have gone on to work with him on undergraduate research projects.
