Passing of Professors John F. Stanton and Henk Monkhorst
It is with profound sadness that we announce the recent passing of two esteemed members of the Quantum Theory Project at the University of Florida.
Professor John F. Stanton, Director of the Quantum Theory Project and Kenan Professor of Chemistry, passed away unexpectedly on March 21, 2025, at the age of 63 in Boulder, Colorado. Professor Stanton was a leading figure in the field of quantum chemistry, known internationally for his foundational work in electronic structure theory (particularly coupled cluster methodology and algorithms) and predictive calculation of high accuracy molecular spectra. He brought visionary leadership to QTP and was deeply committed to advancing theoretical science through collaboration, innovation, and mentorship. His loss is deeply felt by his colleagues, students, and the broader scientific community. A memorial symposium is being planned, and a tribute page has been created by his family at https://www.forevermissed.com/johnstanton, where friends and colleagues are invited to share memories and photographs.
https://www.compchem.me/jfstanton-obituary
Professor Emeritus Hendrik (Henk) Monkhorst, a long-time friend, collaborator and Sanibel Symposium participant at the University of Utah before joining QTP. He was a long-serving faculty member in the Department of Physics, passed away on January 22, 2025, at the age of 86. Professor Monkhorst joined the University of Florida in 1978 and officially retired in 2009, though he remained active in research for many years. He was internationally renowned for the Monkhorst-Pack method, a seminal contribution to computational materials physics. He also was co-author of a book on many-body methods, a leader in exacting calculations (e.g. deuteron, triton, muon molecule) to demonstrate the validity of quantum mechanics, and an innovator regarding novel routes to controlled nuclear fusion. He was a respected scholar, a generous mentor, and a steady presence within QTP and the university. His scientific contributions and collegial spirit leave a lasting impact. A memorial page has been posted by the Department of Physics at https://www.phys.ufl.edu/wp/index.php/2025/01/28/in-memoriam-prof-henk-monkhorst/, and an additional tribute site is available at https://www.weremember.com/hendrik-monkhorst/8k8r/memories.
We extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of Professors Stanton and Monkhorst. Their dedication to science and education will continue to inspire generations to come.