Memorial Service for Prof. Katayun Barmak
A memorial service celebrating the life and legacy of Prof. Katayun (Katy) Barmak, the Philips Electronics Professor of Applied Physics and Applied Mathematics at Columbia Engineering, was held on Thursday, May 7, in St. Paul’s Chapel on Columbia's main campus. Colleagues, students, alumni, friends, family members, and members of the broader Columbia community gathered to honor Prof. Barmak’s extraordinary contributions to science, education, mentorship, and academic life at Columbia.
The service reflected both the deep respect and the affection that so many felt for Prof. Barmak. Faculty, family, and students shared memories of her intellectual curiosity, generosity as a mentor and collaborator, and unwavering commitment to her students and colleagues. Throughout the event, attendees reflected on the lasting impact of her scholarship and leadership, as well as the warmth, kindness, and humanity she brought to the Columbia community.
Following the service, guests gathered for a reception in the APAM Department in 200 Mudd, where conversations and shared memories continued in celebration of Prof. Barmak’s life and enduring legacy.
Columbia Memorial Service: Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Professor Katayun Barmak
Memorial Service & Reception Photos
Photos from the memorial service and reception honoring the life and legacy of Professor Katayun Barmak. Shih-Fu Chang, Columbia Engineering Dean, presented the opening remarks.
Photos by Barbara Alper
Professor Marc Spiegelman, APAM Department Chair
Babak Barmak, Professor Katy Barmak’s brother
St. Paul's Chapel
Lauren Grae, Professor Barmak’s former student
Dr. Matthew Patrick, Professor Barmak’s former student
Professor I.C. Noyan, Former APAM Department Chair
Photos of Professor Barmak
Prof. Barmak was named a 2023 Fellow of the ASM International Society "for seminal contributions to the study of solid-state reactions, phase transformations, microstructure evolution and structure-property relations in metallic films for electronic and magnetic applications."
Prof. Katayun (Katy) Barmak, the Philips Electronics Professor of Applied Physics and Applied Mathematics at Columbia Engineering
Prof. Barmak received the 2017 SEAS Kim Award for Faculty Involvement, which honors a faculty member who is not only an excellent teacher, but one who also shows a special and personal commitment to students.
Prof. Barmak, committed to outreach efforts, visited The Spence School, a local all-girls high school, to give a talk during their Research Scientist program.