Dr. Shi-Tsan Wu, 83, passed away suddenly on Sunday afternoon, May 21st.
Born July 30,1933 (lunar calendar) in Nanchang, China, he came to the U.S in 1957. He was a pioneer in the field of aerospace engineering, developing theoretical models to predict solar magnetic storms on the sun. With energy and optimism, he advised 49 graduate students and mentored many others who would go on to have successful careers in science and engineering; his impact was international.
He founded the Center for Space Plasma and Aeronomic Research (CSPAR) and served as chair until he retired from the University of Alabama in Huntsville in 2005. As Distinguished Professor Emeritus, he remained active in the scientific community: giving lectures, obtaining grants, collaborating on research, and advising others up to his death.
With all the professional accolades, he was a devoted husband of 52 years, father of three, grandfather of five who loved time spent on annual adventures, enjoyed weekly conversations with family and friends, and participated regularly in the local Chinese/ Taiwanese social scene; especially karaoke. His leadership, generosity, love of food and friendship will be missed by all. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Professor Shi-Tsan Wu Memorial Scholarship Fund being established at UAH.
