Prof. Michael von Grünau
Prof. Michael von Grünau
The CSLP community is very sad to report that Prof. Michael von Grünau died on Thursday, December 22, 2011.
Michael, a senior member of the Centre from the Psychology Department, was known internationally for his studies of basic processes in vision, visual attention and the perception of motion. His expertise in these areas were extremely important to the basic cognitive and perceptual processes group within the Centre, especially in relation to reading studies. Michael was instrumental, for example, in mounting research on basic processes in vision related to the initial versions of the Centre's early literacy tool ABRACADABRA. In recent years he served as strand leader for the Fluency and Cognitive Efficiency group within the Centre.
Michael also made significant contributions in other areas of the life of the University. Notably, he served as Principal of the Science College for some nine years. He was always concerned about science education and in helping students break out of overly narrow specialization and acquire a breadth of experience by undertaking projects in different fields of science. His colleagues and students will remember him well for his passion about science and science education.
Michael was highly respected for his openness to new ideas, his great sense of humour, and his commitment, generosity and dedication to his students. He was also a wonderful colleague-someone who could be counted on to share his knowledge and expertise without a moment's hesitation.
Michael is survived by his wife Marinez, and his young children Fernando and Gabriela.
He will be missed deeply by all of us.
