SPEAKIN’ OUT NEW
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — After 45 years of teaching, research and leadership at Alabama A&M University, renowned physicist Dr. Mohan Aggarwal will retire Aug. 31, leaving a lasting legacy in physics education and scientific research.
Aggarwal arrived at AAMU in 1981 to conduct research connected to NASA’s Spacelab-3 experiment, studying crystal growth in zero gravity. He later contributed to the International Microgravity Laboratory-1 mission.
Among his greatest accomplishments was helping establish AAMU’s doctoral program in physics, approved in 1986. In 2025, the program celebrated its 100th Ph.D. graduate.
Aggarwal also served as department chair for nearly two decades and secured approximately $12 million in research funding. His work includes about 275 peer-reviewed publications, four books, two patents and five NASA technical memoranda.
“I shall always treasure my days of service at Alabama A&M University,” Aggarwal said. In retirement, he plans to travel with his wife, Saroj, while remaining connected to AAMU.