Lowering the Flag: Clarence Capjack

The University of Alberta banner is flying at half-mast from May 25–28, 2020, in remembrance of Clarence Capjack, Professor Emeritus in…

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The University of Alberta banner is flying at half-mast from May 25–28, 2020, in remembrance of Clarence Capjack, Professor Emeritus in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.

Clarence Capjack, a well-loved and highly respected Engineering at Alberta professor emeritus, has died.

A member of the faculty for 36 years, Clarence was a dedicated educator and a pioneering, tireless electrical engineering researcher. Clarence was part of a sharp group of Engineering at Alberta researchers whose leading-edge work, starting in the early 1970s, earned an international reputation and helped move lasers out of research laboratories and into industry and medicine. He was still publishing research — into biomedical optics — well into the 2000s.

An expert on computer modeling of plasma, he made significant contributions to the science of plasma, gas discharges, and light-matter interactions, according to Associate Dean of Research Ying Tsui, one of Clarence’s collaborators. Tsui says Clarence’s research led to the development of important applications in the electrical heating of oil sands, high-power gas lasers, laser fusion, and attosecond techniques.

“Clarence was an outstanding, internationally recognized plasma researcher but he was low key and humble,” said Tsui. “He was an outstanding mentor, a source of encouragement and a role model for many. Most importantly, Clarence was a wonderful human being who had a kind and caring heart.”

Beyond his research and service to students in classrooms and labs…

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In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Pancreatic Cancer Research Foundation.Pancreatic Cancer Research Foundation.

For information about lowering the University of Alberta banner, visit the In Memoriam webpage.In Memoriam webpage.