January 6, 2026

University of Rochester photo / J. Adam Fenster

Dear members of the Hajim School community,

It is with a heavy heart that I share the news that Kevin Parker, the William F. May Professor of Engineering and Applied Sciences at the University of Rochester, died in late December at the age of 71. We remember him as a pioneer in the field of ultrasound imaging, a revered faculty member in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and an influential administrator as former dean of the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.

Kevin’s research about elastography and techniques for diagnosing cancer, liver disease, and other pathologies shaped the field of ultrasound imaging and inspired countless researchers.

At URochester, Kevin served in numerous critical leadership positions, including as director of the Rochester Center for Biomedical Ultrasound from 1990 to 2006, chair of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering from 1992 to 1998, associate vice provost for research and graduate affairs from 1996 to 1998, and dean of what was then called the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences from 1998 to 2008.

As our school’s longest-serving dean, he was instrumental in establishing the Department of Biomedical Engineering and the development of the Robert B. Goergen Hall. He was a remarkable person, and his legacy lives on through his students and through his immeasurable contributions to printing, diagnostics, and imaging.

Kevin is survived by his wife, Jean, and their four children. Friends, family, and colleagues are invited to call from 3:30-6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 7, at Miller Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc., 3325 Winton Rd. South. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 8, at St. Louis Church, 64 South Main Street, Pittsford, NY. Interment will ensue immediately afterwards at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery.

Those unable to attend can livestream the service at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday or watch the recording at a future time. Kevin’s obituary on the Miller Funeral Services website has more information.

Read more about Kevin’s impact through quotes from his colleagues and former students including Marvin Doyley, Theophano Mitsa ’91, Edward Ashton ’96, Diane Dalecki, and Benjamin Castañeda ’09 (PhD).

Take care.

Your dean,
Wendi Heinzelman