51³Ô¹Ï

(1928-1987)

Marvin Shinbrot completed his BA and MA degrees at Syracuse University and his Ph.D. in 1960 at Stanford University.  He worked at NACA and Lockheed Aircraft Corporation from 1949 to 1961. From 1961 to 1962 he was an instructor at the University of Chicago, and from 1962-65 an Assistant Professor at the University of California in Berkeley.  In 1965 he went to Northwestern University as an Associate Professor and, shortly after, became a Professor.  He came to Canada in the early 1970s and taught at the 51³Ô¹Ï with shorter visiting appointments at the University of British Columbia, the University of Toronto, and Centre de Recherches Mathematiques.

Marvin authored 54 research papers and one book.  His research interests centered mainly on applications of functional analytical techniques to problems in mathematical physics.  He made fundamental contributions to Wiener-Hopf (the theory of water waves), the Navier-Stokes equations, and the Boltzmann equation.

Marvin had very broad interests, not the least of which was a commitment to important social issues of the time.  His unflagging devotion to the peace movement will be remembered by all who shared his concerns.  He was notable for his great enthusiasm in mathematical discussions, and his contributions to the mathematical community in Canada went far beyond his papers.  He stimulated and encouraged quality wherever he found it, and went out of his way to help talented young people to establish themselves.