Prof D. T. Mook
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OBITUARY
Prof D. T. Mook
Ó Springer Nature B.V. 2020
On June 19, 2020, the mechanics community lost one of its pioneers, Professor Dean T. Mook. He was 84. Professor Mook was one of the most prolific mechanicians of his time. His research and teaching interests spanned the fields of fluid mechanics, solid mechanics, and dynamics. He applied his knowledge and expertise over a span of fifty years to educate generations of students about structural dynamics, nonlinear aeroelasticity, hydrodynamic stability, ship hydrodynamics, nonlinear dynamics, perturbation
techniques, unsteady aerodynamics, aircraft stability and dynamics, and aircraft control. Professor Mook was born in Ridgeway, Pennsylvania, on August 3, 1935. He received his BSc and MSc degrees in Engineering Mechanics from Virginia Tech in 1958 and 1960. Upon earning his PhD also in Engineering Mechanics from the University of Michigan in 1966, he returned to his alma mater to start a very productive career. He combined broad and deep knowledge of different fields with unique communication skills to effectively advise more than 50 graduate students, write over 100 journal articles, and develop and teach over twenty undergraduate and graduate courses. He generously continued to support and teach many other students after his retirement in 2003, both at Virginia Tech and at other institutions. He co-authored the famous ‘‘Nonlinear Oscillations’’ book with the late Ali Nayfeh. Through his appointments at the Air Force Office of Scientific Research and the Office of Naval Research, Professor Mook left his mark on the field by developing new research initiatives and directions. Beyond his scientific career, Dr. Mook held a strong interest in learning about the history and cultures of different parts of the world. Anyone who traveled or had dinner or a cup of ‘‘strong’’ coffee with him ended up learning about the history or a specific culture of a place in addition to mechanics. He was also an avid pilot.
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Obituary
Professor Mook’s humble and dependable nature put those who worked for and with him at ease. Because of his enthusiasm, knowledge, and inventive mind, everyone left his office feeling wiser and happier. He fostered his students and junior colleagues by wholeheartedly promoting them within the mechanics community. He befriended his staff and students and made it enjoyable to be associated with him. His assistant of 32? years, Sally Shrader said ‘‘Dr. Mook was a wonderful mentor and I learned so very much from him. There was laughter every day. Dr. Mook loved his work and teaching. Such a loss to me and everyone that knew him.’’ Professor Mook was an unusually inspirational and visionary man. He was a super-friendly person, always cheerful, and encouraging and motivating colleagues and students with his passion and insight. His warmth, enthusiasm, sense of humor, and openness left a mark on everyone he interacted with. He will be deeply missed by all those who knew him. Dr. Mook’s impact on our lives
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