Bernell DorroughWashington University Professor of Mathematics Martin Silverstein died Thursday, Jan. 16, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital after being struck by an automobile while walking in University City. He was 64 years old.
Silverstein began teaching mathematics when he came to the University in 1977. He earned national and international renown for his work in the areas of probability and harmonic analysis, a mathematical procedure for describing and analyzing phenomena of a periodically recurrent nature. He completed his seminal work in collaboration with Donald Burkholder of the University of Illinois and Richard Gundy at Rutgers University. These efforts led to a transformation of the methodology of modern harmonic analysis.
According to an article that appeared in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, on a visit to China in the early 1980s, Silverstein met Qian Min Ping, a professor at Beijing University, who later spent a year at the University as one of the first Chinese scientists to visit the United States at that time. His visit led many Chinese graduate students and researchers to come to the University’s mathematics department.
Silverstein worked with members of the physics department on several papers involving mathematical physics. Despite having to cope with various chronic health problems stemming from a serious illness in 1982, he remained an active member of the mathematics department, directing several doctoral dissertations and continuing his collaboration with Ping. He also served as a dedicated teacher.
Professor Steven Krantz, current chairman of the Department of Mathematics, said Silverstein benefited his field of study, the University and his friends in many ways.
“Professor Martin Silverstein was a dominant figure in modern probability theory and harmonic analysis,” said Krantz. “He was a pioneer in the current fusion of the two fields. He contributed to the department in every conceivable manner-teaching, service, curricular innovation, and scholarship. He was a good friend to us all. He will be sorely missed.”
A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. this Sunday at Berger Memorial Funeral Home, 4715 McPherson Avenue.
Surviving family members include his wife of 39 years, Anne Silverstein; two sons, Daniel Silverstein of Philadelphia and Matthew Silverstein of Kansas City; a daughter, Julie Silverstein of Pittsburgh; and four grandchildren.
Memorial contributions should be directed to a charity of the donor’s choosing.