Ferdaus Ahmad, of Bettendorf, was not expecting a hug when she greeted President Barack Obama on Wednesday at Quad City International Airport, and it is also unlikely that she knew he was a science buff.

Ms. Ahmad, who teaches physics and other science at local junior colleges, was one of a handful of people who were allowed to greet the president at the foot of the stairs when he left Air Force One.

She said the president greeted her and said it was nice to meet her, and when she told him her specialty, the greeting became a little warmer.

The president hugged her and said, "I love physics," she said.

Ken Fordham, of Eldridge, was also up close. President Obama shook his hand and thanked him for his support.

"It was great," Mr. Fordham said.

Kylie Jansen and Jackie Howard, both 17 and of Davenport, didn't get to be at the foot of the stairs, but the teens did get to be part of the meet and greet with the president, which happened about 50 yards from Air Force One. It involved about 30 civilians and a dozen Air Force personnel who were separated from the president by waist-high metal fencing covered in red, white and blue bunting trimmed with stars.

"To see him on a personal level was absolutely amazing," Ms. Howard said.

Ms. Jansen said that since neither of them are old enough to vote yet, they decide to help in President Obama's local campaign and encourage people to vote.

Please use your vote," Ms. Howard said.