Franklin College Faculty Member Receives Distinguished Award
Arbin Thapaliya, Ph.D., Franklin College Associate Professor of Physics, received the Clifford and Paula Dietz Award for Faculty Excellence during the college’s commencement ceremony on May 24, 2025.
The award, given by a vote of the Franklin College Board of Trustees, upon recommendation of the president and the academic dean of the college, recognizes a faculty member who demonstrates extraordinary dedication and commitment in service to the college.
Thapaliya joined the Franklin College faculty in 2016. He obtained an undergraduate and a master’s degree from Tribhuvan University in Nepal before completing a second master’s degree and a doctorate degree from Ohio University. He teaches general physics classes, astronomy, ultrasound physics, radiation and health and biomedical optics at Franklin.
One nomination stated: “Arbin is a professor who loves what he does and cares for his students. He always displays a positive attitude that is infectious to others and is well respected by both his students and colleagues. Arbin works very hard to help his students learn the material and grow as students in the field of science, and to make physics and astronomy accessible and fun.”
In 2022, he was awarded a PALSave Open Educator Award from The Private Academic Library Network of Indiana. The award recognizes innovation and excellence in support of higher education, textbook affordability and student success.
Thapaliya is a resident of Greenwood.