A Brilliant Mind, an Inspirational Mentor, and a Real Mensch
Purdue University mourns the loss of Andrew M. Weiner, a distinguished figure in electrical engineering and ultrafast optics. The Scifres Family Distinguished Professor in the Elmore Family School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Weiner passed away on February 13, 2024, after battling cancer. His contributions to engineering, education, and mentorship have left an enduring legacy.
Weiner’s journey in optics began at MIT, where he set a world record for the shortest optical pulse during his graduate studies, earning his Sc.D. in Electrical Engineering in 1984. He joined Bellcore, advancing to Manager of Ultrafast Optics and Optical Signal Processing Research, before becoming a Full Professor for Purdue ECE in 1992. At Purdue, Weiner’s pioneering research in ultrafast optics, particularly femtosecond pulse shaping, significantly impacted fiber-optic networks and laboratories worldwide.
Weiner’s career earned him numerous accolades, including election to the U.S. National Academy of Engineering and the National Academy of Inventors. In 2023, he received the Charles Hard Townes Medal from Optica for his work in advancing optical frequency combs into the quantum realm. His research extended into coherent control, frequency comb generation, and ultrabroadband radio-frequency photonics.
Known affectionately as “Andy,” Weiner was admired for his integrity, kindness, and commitment to excellence. His impact extended beyond research mentorship to the classroom, where he held high standards in teaching.
Outside academia, Weiner was a passionate aikido practitioner and a devoted husband and father, known for his sense of humor and love of poetry.
As we mourn Andy’s passing, we celebrate his profound impact on photonics and the Purdue community. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations in science and engineering.