The late Catherine Quinlan (left) and the late Dr. Lucjan Krause (right). A new scholarship honours the memory of Dr. Krause, a former University of Windsor physicist, and was made possible through the generosity of the Krause family. (Photos courtesy of Janet Krause)
By Sara Elliott
The new Dr. Lucjan Krause Graduate Scholarship for Physics Achievement honours the memory of a former University of Windsor physicist while supporting the next generation of researchers.
The scholarship will be awarded annually to graduate students in the Department of Physics who strive for academic excellence.
Dr. Lucjan Krause was a foundational champion of UWindsor’s physics program. The former professor and department chair published more than 100 journal articles during his career.
During his time at the University, he recruited impressive faculty members who helped build a department strong in atomic, molecular and optical physics research. He continued to contribute to the field after retirement as professor emeritus.
“He brought in students from all over the world who went on to have leading positions of their own,” says Janet Krause, Dr. Krause’s daughter.
“He also supported post-doctorate fellows internationally to encourage fundamental research in physics.”
In 2015, Krause’s children established a scholarship in his name for exceptional undergraduate students. Each year, a rising star received $1,500. The award continues even after Krause’s passing in 2022.
Following the passing of Krause’s daughter, Catherine Quinlan, in 2024, her estate has renewed the family’s commitment to honouring their father’s legacy by establishing a new scholarship to recognize graduate students at any level for their initiative, activity and success in their chosen area of physics research.
“My father was always a keen supporter of providing help and guidance to the next generation and in this spirit the initial scholarship was established,” says Janet.
“We decided it would also be in the spirit of our father’s life work to establish a graduate scholarship to encourage and support research at a different phase of students’ life – I feel my sister would absolutely approve of this newly established scholarship.”
Current head of the Department of Physics, Dr. Steven Rehse, says he is once again overwhelmed by the generosity of the Krause family as well as their continued interest in recognizing and rewarding excellence in UWindsor students.
“Through the years, they have continually invested in these young scholars who have used the assistance provided by the Krause family to achieve fantastic successes in their careers,” says Rehse.
“This ongoing support is making a real difference in the lives of our students and is a tremendous testament to the impact that Professor Krause and his family have had, and continue to have, on our department.”