Assistant Professor Sasha Philippov has received the 2025 Maryland Outstanding Young Scientist (OYS) award. The OYS award program was established in 1959 to recognize and celebrate extraordinary contributions of young Maryland scientists. In 1988 the Outstanding Young Engineer (OYE) award was established to recognize contributions in engineering. Both awards are sponsored by the Maryland Academy of Sciences and conferred by the Maryland Science Center.

The OYS award is bestowed on professionals age 35 or younger who work in academia, or 40 or younger for those in other sectors. Honorees are selected by members of the Maryland Science Center’s Scientific and Education Advisory Council.

“The Maryland Science Center inspires curiosity and exploration, and shares the process and joys of the scientific process,” said Mark J. Potter, President and CEO of the Maryland Science Center. “Our annual STEM awards honor that process by recognizing young professionals, students, and educational advocates. This year’s winners merit these prestigious awards and serve as models for others pursuing work, education,  and careers in science.”

Said Mollie Thompson, Chair of the Scientific Council, “Our OYE and OYS winners show that institutions in Maryland attract and cultivate the world’s leading scientists and engineers. We are pleased to shine a light on their achievement.”

Sasha Philippov

Since joining UMD in 2022, Philippov has received a Packard Fellowship and Sloan Research Fellowship.  He was also awarded a 2024 Thomas H. Stix Award for Outstanding Early Career Contributions to Plasma Physics Research for his “seminal contributions to the theory and simulation of collisionless astrophysical plasmas, especially compact objects.”

Dr. Katharina Maisel of the UMD Department of Bioengineering was named the Maryland Outstanding Young Engineer.

Philippov described his work in and interview with the Maryland Science Center.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HkujjneRa2Y&list=PLNaSfHBFtxsf9_CPU1w1CdG_IHPfIW2zZ&index=2