The Department of Mathematical Sciences is pleased to announce that Prof. George Hsiao has been named the first Carl Rees Professor of Mathematics. The Rees Chair honors the memory of Carl John Rees (1896-1985), a distinguished member of the Department of Mathematical Sciences who served the University as a Chairman, Dean and Provost. Prof. Hsiao recalls meeting Prof. Rees when he was first hired more than 30 years ago. "He was truly a gentleman and scholar. I was always encouraged by his kind words whenever I saw him. I still remember our profound conversations on his time in China during World War II. Therefore, my appointment to this endowed professorship in honor of him is particularly meaningful to me. Needless to say, I shall do my best to live up to Professor Rees' expectations."

Since joining the University of Delaware's Department of Mathematical Sciences in 1969, Dr. Hsiao has developed a vast mathematical research program, publishing over 150 refereed papers on mathematical topics with applications in ship hydrodynamics, wave scattering, data inversion, blood flow and fluid structure interactions. More fundamentally, his work is known throughout the world of applied analysis for establishing the existence, uniqueness/plurality and regularity properties of optimally smooth solutions to integral equations that occur in practical engineering problems. Indeed, he is one of a relatively small number of applied analysts who demands rigorous justifications as well as practical computability of solutions to applied boundary value problems.

Dr. Hsiao has also earned a reputation as a strong instructor. He was recipient of the 1996 College of Arts and Sciences Award for Outstanding Teacher, as well as of the 2000 Alison Medal. He has embraced new technologies and brought them to bear on classroom challenges, developing numerous handouts and supplements for his students. He has developed computer algebra projects for differential equations and is a joint author of a recent Prentice Hall text , "Maple Projects for Differential Equations". On top of all his other accomplishments, Professor Hsiao has been an exemplary instructor.

While research and teaching activities by necessity require introspection and inward focus, Prof. Hsiao is notable for directing his energy outward as well. While highly valued here in Newark, he has held visiting positions in Austria, Chile, Italy, Denmark and throughout Germany, and holds an honorary professorship in the People's Republic of China. He has delivered numerous keynote and invited lectures at conferences all around the world where he has represented both the University of Delaware and its Department of Mathematical Sciences with honor and distinction. Dr. Hsiao has been a wonderful ambassador for the University of Delaware. In Prof. Hsiao's own words, " I was very fortunate to have many good colleagues in this department who have always encouraged me during the years. We really have a great department..."

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Article created: January 14, 2005