On Tuesday, my academic advisor here in Valparaíso, Professor
Gonzalo Ruiz, passed away.
I didn’t know him well, and I don’t feel much like I have
any business writing about him, but I want to leave something here that I can
remember later on. This is not an attempt at a eulogy, just a personal note, I
suppose.
I had exchanged just a few emails with Gonzalo before I came
to Chile, asking if he was interested in hosting me in his lab if I were to be
awarded the Rotary scholarship. He was very enthusiastic and supportive, and
continued to be so even after I did not receive the scholarship the first time
I applied and had to wait another year. When I got here, I learned very quickly
that that was his attitude toward everything, even during his illness.
He welcomed me, and Yandee too, into his research group and
into his home. He introduced me to some incredibly driven and innovative
academics, and helped me out in countless ways at school.
Gonzalo, I learned so much from you about how to be a
researcher, and how to stay upbeat in the face of adversity. I wish I’d had a
chance to know you better. Que en paz descances, Profe. My thoughts are all
with his wife Lore and son Santi.
