Mordechay Schlesinger

The Department of Physics at the University of Windsor is saddened by the passing of University Professor Emeritus, Dr. Mordechay Schlesinger on September 30, 2015. Dr. Schlesinger, born in Budapest, Hungary, obtained his MSc and PhD from the Hebrew University, Jerusalem, where he was happy to study under the legendary theoretical physicist, Giulio Racah. After a NASA Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh, he joined the faculty at the University of Western Ontario in 1965. In 1968, Dr. Schlesinger was recruited to the University of Windsor, and he stayed here since then serving as Head of Department from 1983-1993, and retired in 1997. Dr. Schlesinger continued to be an extremely productive member of the Department until his passing, continuing his research supervision, teaching, and writing. His passion for and delight in physics research was infectious, and has inspired many a student.

His research interests were wide ranging encompassing both theory and experiment. Some of his research with the most impact are:

- The Unitary Group Approach (Theoretical), a novel method for the calculation and interpretation of complex spectra.

- Electroless Metal Deposition Patterning. (Experimental), methods of developing designer materials for automotive and biomedical applications.

- Modelling and Numerical Simulations (Theoretical), particularly finite element (FEM) and/or finite difference(FDM) methods, for applications in electrochemistry and in medical imaging.

- Giant Magneto Resistance (Experimental) - electrodeposition of metallic multilayers from a single solution with their unique mechanical as well as giant magneto-resistance properties has many industrial applications.

He has close to 250 peer reviewed publications, written 8 books, in addition to book chapters, conference proceedings, technical reports and 6 patents.

Among his many honours were: Fellowships of the American Physical Society (US) the Institute of Physics (UK), Electrochemical Society (US), General Motors Academic Research Fellow, Research Award of the Electrodeposition Division (ECS)(1997), and the Erskine Fellow, Canterbury University, New Zealand (1994). He served Physics via his Editorships of the Canadian Journal of Physics 1997-2002, Journal of Electrochemical Society (Electrodeposition Division 1979-1990, Associate Editor 1990-2005), and (Associate) Electrochemical & Solid State Letters 1998-2005.

In addition to his many professional accomplishments, Dr. Schlesinger was a dedicated family man. He was married to Sarah, his wife, for over 58 years. Their daughter, Michal Litovitz, is a criminal defense attorney in Toronto, and son, Ed, is Dean of the Whiting School of Engineering at Johns Hopkins University. In addition, he is survived by six grandchildren all of whom will greatly miss him.

A memorial fund has been established at the Physics Department.

For more information contact physics@uwindsor.ca or Kimberly at 519-253-3000 # 2647.