Alexander Golovin, Internationally Reputed Mathematician, Dies at 45

EVANSTON, Ill. --- Alexander (Sasha) Golovin, 45, of Evanston, associate professor of engineering sciences and applied mathematics at the Northwestern University McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science, died of cancer Wednesday (Sept. 10).

Professor Golovin's research was in the area of nonlinear dynamics and pattern formation. His work focused on non-equilibrium systems such as systems with phase change, physico-chemical hydrodynamics, reaction-diffusion systems, and electrochemical systems.

"Sasha was an outstanding applied mathematician with an international reputation," said Michael Miksis, chairman of the engineering sciences and applied mathematics department. "He was a wonderful friend and colleague and one of the best graduate advisers that I have known, always willing to give his time to his students."

Professor Golovin earned a Ph.D. in chemical engineering from the Karpov Institute of Physical Chemistry, USSR Academy of Sciences. He remained there as a senior research fellow and was awarded the Karpov Institute Best Research Work Award. He then moved to the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology in Israel before joining Northwestern as a postdoctoral fellow in 1996. He joined the faculty in 2000 and was promoted to associate professor in 2005.

Mr. Golovin is survived by his wife Anna and two sons, Peter and Vsevolod (Vladik).

A memorial service was held Sunday, Sept. 14, followed by burial in Memorial Park Cemetery, Skokie.