Igor Paul: A Distinguished Professor and Mechanical Engineering Expert
Early Life and Education
Professor Emeritus Igor Paul ’60, SM ’61, PhD ’64, passed away on December 17, 2023, at his home in St. Petersburg, Florida. He was 87 years old. Born on October 28, 1936, in Kharkov, Ukraine, Igor migrated across Europe during World War II, arriving in the United States on Christmas Day 1951. He later earned all three of his degrees in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at MIT.
Academic Career
Paul was a member of the MIT Department of Mechanical Engineering faculty from 1964 until his retirement in 2003. He helped develop the department’s design and manufacturing curriculum, which continues to thrive today. His research interests included product and machine design, safety, and risk analysis; robotics; biomechanics; and dynamic systems modeling.
Research and Contributions
Igor was a leading expert in product design and safety, with a particular focus on sports devices like helmets. He served as an expert witness in many landmark product liability cases. His contributions also extended to the development of artificial joints, inertial guidance systems for NASA, and consulting services to area hospitals and medical centers.
Teaching and Advising
Known for his good nature, quick wit, and pleasant disposition, Igor was deeply passionate about teaching. Among the courses he instructed through the years were 2.72 (Elements of Mechanical Design), 2.70 (now 2.007, Design and Manufacturing I), and 2.009 (Product Engineering Processes). He also served for many years as the faculty advisor to the student chapter of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
Awards and Recognition
Paul co-authored more than 80 publications and won numerous awards in the areas of design, bio-engineering, and education, including the DeFlorez Award for Creativity in Design, the Ralph R. Teetor Distinguished Educator Award, the Outstanding Orthopedic Research Award, and the Carl Soderberg Distinguished Service Award.
Personal Life
Outside of his professional achievements, Igor enjoyed tennis, golf, and traveling the globe. After his retirement, he and his wife, Natasha, moved from Andover, Massachusetts, to New London, New Hampshire, and most recently to St. Petersburg, Florida.
Conclusion
Igor Paul left behind a legacy of scientific contributions, dedication to education, and love for his family. His impact will be felt through the lives of his students, colleagues, and loved ones, and his memory will live on through his work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What were Igor Paul’s main research interests?
A: His research interests included product and machine design, safety, and risk analysis; robotics; biomechanics; and dynamic systems modeling.
Q: What were some of Igor’s notable achievements?
A: Igor was a leading expert in product design and safety, served as an expert witness in many landmark product liability cases, developed artificial joints, and designed inertial guidance systems for NASA.
Q: What was Igor’s involvement with MIT?
A: Igor was a professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at MIT from 1964 to 2003 and helped develop the department’s design and manufacturing curriculum.
