Kammash was a pioneering nuclear engineering professor at the University of Michigan, renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to fusion research, numerous accolades, and lasting impact on the field and the NERS community.
The University of Michigan’s Department of Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences (NERS) mourns the passing of Dr. Terry Kammash, a pioneering faculty member, mentor, and global leader in nuclear engineering and fusion research. Kammash passed away peacefully on November 7, 2024, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, at the age of 97.
Kammash dedicated 42 years of his career to NERS, serving as a faculty member from 1954 to 1996 and as acting department chair from 1970 to 1977. A visionary scholar, he was among the first in the United States to earn a PhD in Nuclear Engineering, receiving his degree from the University of Michigan in 1958. It was one of the first three PhDs awarded by the department. His groundbreaking research and leadership helped establish Michigan’s nuclear engineering program as one of the foremost in the world.
Known for his innovative spirit, Kammash bridged the fields of aeronautics and nuclear engineering, bringing distinct insights into nuclear energy applications, particularly fusion and space propulsion. His seminal textbook, Fusion Reactor Physics: Principles and Technology (1975), remains a foundational text in the field. His work on plasma dynamics, magnetic confinement devices, and space propulsion systems advanced both theoretical understanding and practical applications of nuclear energy.
Kammash’s contributions were recognized with numerous accolades, including Fellow designations from the American Physical Society (APS), the American Nuclear Society (ANS), the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), and the NASA Institute for Advanced Concepts. Among his many awards were the ANS Seaborg Award, the ANS Arthur Holly Compton Award, the ANS Fusion Energy Division’s Outstanding Achievement Award, and the University of Michigan’s Research Excellence Award. He also held the Steven Attwood Chair, one of Michigan Engineering’s most prestigious honors.
Beyond his scholarly achievements, Kammash was a beloved mentor who inspired generations of students and young researchers. He was instrumental in shaping the department’s early curriculum and fostering a collaborative environment that encouraged innovation and excellence.
Kammash’s impact on the nuclear engineering field and the University of Michigan community is immeasurable. His legacy lives on through his research, his students, and the department he helped build into a global leader in nuclear science and engineering.
He is survived by his family, friends, and countless colleagues who were fortunate to know him and work alongside him. The NERS community extends its deepest condolences to his loved ones during this time of loss.
Dr. Terry Kammash will be remembered as a visionary, a mentor, and a leader whose contributions shaped the future of nuclear engineering. He will be profoundly missed.
“Terry Kammash was a friend, mentor, and collaborator when I arrived as a junior faculty member at Michigan in 1980. We spent many hours discussing the workings of academia as well as our collaboration on scientific projects concerning electron beam propagation and stability in plasmas and gases. He was kind enough to share his class notes for several plasma classes that I taught, which was a great help. Terry was a pioneer in magnetic mirror fusion reactors, for which he had long-running Department of Energy support. His book on fusion reactors is a classic that I have used in plasma classes. Terry was always very kind and patient with students. We will all miss his cheerful demeanor and sage advice.”
—Ron Gilgenbach, NERS Professor Emeritus
“Terry Kamash’s passing is such sad news. I have known him for more than five decades, as a student and then as a colleague. When I was teaching physics at the Naval Academy in the early 70’s, I invited him to give a lecture and he graciously accepted. Although I had known him as a humble professor, I was shocked that he was treated like royalty when he arrived. The large lecture hall was packed to capacity and he gave one of his classic lectures that everyone enjoyed. Afterwards, faculty and Deans lined up to meet him and he was quickly whisked away to the mahogany suites. I had no idea that he was held in such high esteem by the scientific community. Years later, when I returned to Michigan, he was retiring and he became a cherished mentor and colleague. His advice on handling students, funding, publications and general life issues became my faculty survival handbook. When I’d drop by his office, he’d be advising former students, funding agencies, and policy makers, and I finally realized what an amazing personal and technical powerhouse he was to our global community. “
—David Wehe, NERS Professor
“I offer my condolences, with a heavy heart, to the family of Professor Kammash and wish to recognize his many contributions to plasma physics and to the NERS department throughout his long distinguished career. I would like to remember his 1975 publication of Fusion Reactor Physics: Principles and Technology, one of the first few publications by the NERS faculty, and a multitude of his services to the department, including his tour of duty as Acting Department Chair perhaps around 1979. Professor Kammash was a dedicated scientist and served as a mentor to a large number of outstanding NERS students throughout his long career. I offer my prayers for the repose of his soul.”
—John Lee, NERS Professor Emeritus