Dr. Kevin Lee passed away peacefully on April 21, 2025, following complications from a heart attack in February. Kevin, who earned his PhD in 1997 under the supervision of Ed Schmidt, had been with the Department of Physics and Astronomy and the Center for Science, Mathematics, and Computer Education since completing his degree. Over the years, he made profound contributions as a Lecturer, Research Assistant Professor, and later Research Associate Professor. He also spent 2014-17 as a program director at the National Science Foundation.
Kevin was a visionary in astronomy education, recognized nationally for his exemplary teaching and dedication. His accolades include the Halliday and Resnick Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award from the American Association of Physics Teachers in 2012 and the Homer L. Dodge Citation for Distinguished Service to AAPT in 2016. Locally, he engaged the community through initiatives like the Physics and Astronomy Summits, and his instructional materials on astro.unl.edu have been accessed millions of times globally.
Beyond his professional achievements, his passion for education and commitment to outreach left an indelible mark on his colleagues, students, and educators worldwide. His family will be hosting a Celebration of Life event in June. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and hope that his memory remains a source of comfort and inspiration to all who knew him.