It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the sudden passing of Professor Michael Heimlich from the School of Engineering, co-founder of FIRST Australia.
Mike, along with his wife Luan and daughters Sarah and Jaye moved to Australia in 2009 from the United States when he took up a CORE appointment working in Wireless Communication with Macquarie University. As the longest serving professor in the School of Engineering, Mike has contributed significantly to the University, holding Faculty leadership positions including Acting Head of Department, Associate Dean International and Associate Dean Industry and Corporate Engagement.
Most recently, Mike had set up and led the successful Macquarie Analog Devices Laboratory (MADLAB), a partnership with the semiconductor company Analog Devices Inc. In 2021, Analog Devices renewed the agreement for a further three years. MADLAB not only continues to provide world-class research in circuit design but has brought industry experience into Macquarie, providing mentoring to dozens of students across the entire degree spectrum.
As one of the founders of FIRST Australia, Mike helped craft and shape the robotics program and its many activities from its inception, which has inspired a new generation of young people around the world to develop a strong passion for STEM.
Mike and Luan travelled around Australia and the world supporting engineering and robotics whilst promoting Macquarie’s scholarships as well as hosting weekly robotic workshops each Friday night for young adults with an interest in robotics.
Mike was a positive, passionate, and enthusiastic researcher, collaborator, mentor and teacher and will be sadly missed by his family, friends and colleagues.
The family are asking that in lieu of flowers, to consider a donation to the FIRST Australia Michael Heimlich Scholarship Fund.
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I had the pleasure of knowing Mike both through his work in telecommunications, and the FIRST Robotics program. He was always full of enthusiasm for everything he did, and had a real talent for inspiring young people. He will be sadly missed by many, many people. Condolences to his family.
I am deeply saddened by the news. His passion and devotion to promoting science and engineering in the community remains a great inspiration to me. I will miss him.
That’s extremely sad news. I was wowed by Michael – how could he setup the hugely successful FIRST Australia while also maintaining a highly successful research career. A totally legendary force in the STEM field, in Australia and Internationally. What an impact. What a great guy. He will be sorely missed.
This is such sad news. Mike was a wonderful colleague whose enthusiasm for knowledge, teaching and society was second to none. He inspired many and understood how important it is to listen and respond. He will remain in many hearts and be greatly missed.
What a great loss to the MQ community. Was a true inspiration for many including me.
How sad his life has been cut short. Some great achievements and sounds like he had so much more to offer. Condolences to his family.
His big heart was evident in everything he did-from small to big. I will miss him.