APS cited Hassanein for "pioneering contribution to comprehensive models, simulation, and innovative experiments for verification of plasma evolution and interactions with materials for applications in fusion devices, laser and discharge-produced plasma, and nanolithography."

Election to fellowship in the APS is limited to 0.5 percent of its membership.

Hassanein's research interests include plasma/photon material interactions; magnetic and inertial fusion; radiation damage in materials; computational physics and hydrodynamics; materials under extreme conditions; advanced numerical methods; extreme ultraviolet lithography, laser and discharge-produced plasma, nuclear radiation detection, and high power targets for accelerators. He also is the director of the Center for Materials Under eXtreme Environment, which combines state-of-the-art computational tools and experimental devices for simulating beam/target interactions for various applications.

The APS fellowship is Hassanein's sixth.