It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved mentor, friend, and colleague, Distinguished Professor Emeritus Paul Holloway. On Tuesday, June 6, 2023, we bid farewell to a remarkable individual who dedicated 35 years of his life to our institution, leaving an enduring impact on the lives of numerous students and colleagues.
Paul Holloway, a distinguished scholar, earned his B.S. from Florida State University and his Ph.D. in 1972 from the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He was also honored with an honorary doctorate from the University of the Free State in South Africa. From 1978 until his retirement in 2013, Paul served as a devoted member of our faculty within the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Florida, ultimately attaining the pinnacle rank of Distinguished Professor.
Internationally recognized as an expert in semiconductors, optoelectronic materials, surfaces and interfaces, phosphors, and atomic transport, Paul published over 300 articles and authored four influential books in his field of research. His multidisciplinary interests led him to become the director of the UF interdisciplinary research center, MICROFABRITECH. Furthermore, he held the position of Chief Scientific Officer at Nanophotonica, Inc., a startup affiliated with the University of Florida. Paul’s commitment to teaching and mentorship was unparalleled, as evidenced by the graduation of nearly 100 graduate students.
His exceptional contributions to research and education garnered him numerous prestigious accolades, including the Alpha Sigma Mu Award of Excellence, the E.W. Muller Award for Excellence in Surface Science, the American Vacuum Society (AVS) Albert Nerken Award, the University of Helsinki Medal, the UF Doctoral Mentoring Award, and UF Teacher/Scholar of the Year. Beyond academia, Paul actively served his community as a fellow of AVS and Materials Information Society (formerly the American Society for Metals International, ASM).
Paul Holloway’s unwavering dedication to his field, profound expertise, and genuine passion for teaching, mentorship and research will forever be cherished. His academic achievements will continue to inspire generations to come.
Article: Celebrating Paul Holloway, from the Fall 2014 issue of the department’s Materials World magazine.
A private service for the immediate family will occur at a later time. The obituary can be accessed through the link below: