Biology

It is with great sadness that we share the loss of retired professor Dr. George Vourvopoulos. He passed away on February 3, 2023 at age 86.

Dr. Vourvopoulos’s career in nuclear physics led him to Western Kentucky University in 1983 where he was a professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. In 1994, he established the Applied Physics Institute (API) at WKU where, along with his colleagues and students, he developed several physics applications including the online analysis of impurities in coal, detecting drugs and explosives in containers and suitcases, and detecting unexploded ordinances such as buried land mines and artillery rounds. He holds five patents for his inventions, and the API continues to flourish today.

In 1998, Dr. Vourvopoulos was named Kentucky Scientist of the Year, and in 1999, he received the Award for Research/Creativity and was recognized for Outstanding Faculty Achievement by WKU.

He retired in 2001 after 18 years of serving on our faculty.

Dr. Vourvopoulos was a great contributor to his discipline, and we offer his family our sincerest condolences.