Professor Emeritus Lyle F. Mockros Passes Away

Lyle F. Mockros (’56, MS ’58), professor emeritus of biomedical engineering and chemical engineering, passed away at the age of 92 on May 6, 2026. He was known for his contributions to the field of fluid dynamics and the development of biomedical engineering at Northwestern. 

Mockros earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in civil engineering from Northwestern and went on to complete his PhD in civil engineering at the University of California, Berkeley. He then returned to Northwestern, where he taught in several departments and conducted research for more than 42 years, serving on the faculty from 1962 until his retirement in 2004. He continued in the role of an emeritus professor.

As a researcher, Mockros published widely. Though his career began in fluid mechanics in civil engineering, he soon developed an interest in the fluid processes in the human body. He combined these interests to work on the fluid mechanics of natural and artificial organs.

“Lyle influenced the development of a new academic field both at Northwestern and beyond. His legacy of insightful, collaborative research and teaching will live on in the many lives he benefitted,” said Christopher Schuh, dean of Northwestern Engineering.

In 1976, Mockros was named the chair of the executive committee of the Biomedical Engineering Council at Northwestern. The council guided the development of the Biomedical Engineering Division, for which Mockros also served as chair. The division ran from 1981 until 1985, when the Department of Biomedical Engineering was launched.

“Biomedical engineering at Northwestern owes much of its strength and stature today to the early insight and dedication of our colleague Lyle. His contributions to Northwestern, and to biomedical engineering more broadly, helped set the stage for generations of innovation in research and teaching,” said Mitra Hartmann, chair and professor of biomedical engineering, professor of mechanical engineering, and (by courtesy) professor of computer science.

In addition to informing curriculum in biomedical engineering, Mockros trained numerous students over the course of his career.

“He was one of my mentors in biomedical engineering and served as a model of ethical and honest scholarship. I know that many former students will remember him as a gifted and nurturing adviser and instructor,” said Alan Sahakian, professor of electrical and computer engineering and (by courtesy) biomedical engineering, and senior advisor to the dean.

Mockros was active in many professional societies, including as a member of the Biomedical Engineering Society, which was founded in 1968. He was a fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering, whose fellows represent the top 2 percent of medical and biological engineers. He was also active in ASAIO (the American Society for Artificial Internal Organs).

“Lyle was the perfect PhD adviser and mentor. He was immensely knowledgeable, well-respected in the field, but also patient and kind. His focus as a mentor was in developing me as a scientist, rather than his own career. He remained a lifelong mentor to me as I became a faculty member, advising me on teaching new courses and taking new jobs,” said Keith Cook (MS '96, PhD '00), David Edward Schramm Professor and Head, biomedical engineering at Carnegie Mellon University.

Annually, Northwestern biomedical engineering students who demonstrate excellence in academics, design, research, service, and entrepreneurship can earn either the Lyle F. Mockros Outstanding Junior Award or the Lyle F. Mockros Outstanding Senior Award.

Services were held.