For students majoring in math or biomedical science here at FAU, let’s face it, the work is tedious, the courses are challenging and the professors can be confusing, to say the least. Students looking for an excellent professor who knows exactly what he’s doing should search no further than Dr. Heinz Otto Peitgen. Peitgen, a professor of mathematics and biomedical sciences at FAU, recently became the first mathematician to be awarded the German Founders Award 2006 in the category of “Visionary.”
Peitgen was selected out of a field of over 1,000 participants for his Center for Medical Diagnostic Systems and Visualization, otherwise known as his MeVis group. This highly prestigious award was first bestowed in 2002 and is based upon the following criteria: innovative ideas, extraordinary dedication, positive corporate culture, visionary concepts and social commitment.
Not only is Peitgen a dedicated professor here at FAU, he is also a great presence in the community of Boca Raton. He has worked extensively with Dr. Kathy Schilling, the medical director of breast imaging and intervention at the Center for Breast Care at the Boca Raton Community Hospital. Together, the two have developed promising software that can detect breast cancer tumors earlier than traditional mammography or ultrasound treatments. Peitgen and his work are an excellent example of how the challenging math concepts taught at FAU can really be put to use in the future, as he used fractals to develop his breast cancer software.
Students at FAU are excited to have an award-winning professor teaching at FAU. Kevin Olsen, a biology major, said, “I think that’s great to see someone recognized for their hard work. It also shows me that what I learn in math really is important and useful later on in life.” Sahphiere Marc, a biological science major, explained, “As a student I think it’s great to have a teacher here that has received an award like that. Not only is he just a teacher, he’s made a contribution to the world that hopefully he’ll be remembered for.”
To contact Dr. Heinz Otto Peitgen, e-mail [email protected].
