Professor Emeritus Martin Lessen dies

Engineering department carries his signature

Martin Lessen, a professor emeritus and former chair of the Department of Mechanical Engineering who played an important role in shaping the department, died Sunday, January 24, in Rochester. He was 78.

Lessen joined the faculty in 1960 as the chair of the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Sciences at a critical time, just as the College of Engineering had been created and research efforts in engineering were being beefed up. Soon after, he was named Yates Memorial Professor of Engineering. Lessen served as chair from 1960 to 1970 and hired several faculty members, bringing together experts from such areas as physics and mathematics to create a nontraditional engineering department with wide-ranging interests. Under his leadership the department became known worldwide for its studies of plasma physics. The research effort eventually led to the creation of the Laboratory for Laser Energetics.

Lessen was regarded by his peers as an authority in the fields of fluid dynamics, plasma dynamics, energy conversion, and thermoelasticity. He also was known for his efforts to modernize and upgrade engineering education around the nation.

"Martin was a very creative person who combined fundamental theoretical understanding with an ability to visualize and create new devices," said Al Clark, a professor of mechanical engineering and one of several current faculty members hired by Lessen. "He had an enormous zest for living and was an extremely important person in the history of the department."

A native of New York City, Lessen earned his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering at City College of New York, his master's at New York University, and his doctorate from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Lessen is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, of Pittsford; two daughters, Margot Brody and Deborah Calomino; a son, David; four grandchildren; two sisters; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at a time and place to be announced.