Klaus Schulten, a prominent University physics professor and researcher, passed away Oct. 31 at the age of 69 years.

Schulten received his Ph.D from Harvard University in chemical physics in 1974, after graduating from the University of Muenster in 1969 with a degree in physics. He had been working as part of University research and faculty member for almost 25 years.

He was a leader of biophysics and led the Theoretical and Computational Biophysics group. This group is comprised of about 30 students and postdoctoral professors who conducted seminal work in the area of molecular dynamic simulations and illuminating biological structures.

Not only did he make strides in the physics field, he also made numerous contributions to biology. His research was focused on the supramolecular systems in the living cell, while also making advances that include understanding animal vision, photosynthesis and force-generation in cells.

Schulten was a diverse professor that had created an impact in the scientific fields of chemistry, physics and biology. He paired this knowledge with a strong knowledge of computers.

Juan Perilla, a postdoctoral research associate, worked closely with Schulten at the University. Perilla described Schulten as “a very wise man” who was his “mentor” and “advisor.”

“He was very supportive,” Perilla said. “He allowed me to explore my curiosity.”

Schulten’s memorial service will be held at St. John’s Catholic Newman Center at 604 E. Armory Ave. and Sixth Street, Champaign on Monday at 10 a.m. A reception will immediately follow. Beckman Institute of Technology will host an honorary symposium in 2017.

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