After a yearlong battle with cancer, School of Computing Professor Krzysztof (Kris) Sikorski passed away on July 21, 2012.
A native of Poland, Sikorski received his Ph.D. in computer science at the University of Utah in 1982. He then joined Columbia University as a computer science faculty member, where he taught for 3 years before returning to the University of Utah.
“Kris was a quiet, studious man who was a great colleague to many and who brought a significant mathematical rigor to our curriculum and research programs. He was, by nature, a man who held high standards for both himself and his colleagues,” said Al Davis, department chair and professor of computer science at the University of Utah. “His wisdom has affected many, including both faculty and his students. He will be missed and he will never be replaced. Kris’ legacy will endure in the students that he influenced.”
Sikorski’s research focused on parallel scientific computation and computational complexity, with special emphasis on optimal methods for solving fixed-point problems. His contributions include the development of tight complexity bounds and methods that are close to or achieve these bounds, Davis adds.
In addition to his research and teaching at the University of Utah, Sikorski served as Chair of the International Federation for Information Processing group on continuous algorithms and complexity.
“In trying to think of one word that captures Kris as a researcher, as an educator, as a fellow colleague, and as a friend—the word that comes to mind is sincere,” said computer science professor Mike Kirby. “Kris will indeed be truly missed.”
Sikorski is survived by his wife Elizabeth, son John (Monica), grandchildren John Joseph and Eirene, sister Elizabeth, and extended family members.