Dr. Rolf Erich Hummel, a distinguished materials scientist and professor emeritus of the department, passed away on March 24, 2025, at age 90.
Born in Stuttgart, Germany, he earned his doctorate in solid-state physics from the Max Planck Institute in 1963. Soon after he graduated, he was hired at the University of Florida to take part in the newly emerging space program. While here, where he played a pivotal role in establishing one of the first electronic materials programs in the U.S.
Over his career, Hummel published approximately 200 peer-reviewed research papers and authored 10 books, including Electronic Properties of Materials, widely adopted in universities worldwide. His research spanned optical and electrical properties of materials, semiconductor reliability, and explosives detection. He mentored 32 graduate students and received 14 teaching and service awards, including being named the Pamphalon Professor for Electronic Materials in 2000.
Hummel conducted research and taught internationally, fostering global collaboration. He also founded the Pamphalon Foundation, supporting education, science, and the arts. In retirement, he remained engaged in research, music, and woodworking. His legacy endures through his contributions to materials science and the many students he taught and inspired.