The University of Rochester in New York is paying tribute to ultrasound pioneer Kevin Parker, PhD, who passed away on December 31, 2025, at the age of 71.
Parker, who co-invented the blue noise mask in the early 1990s, was the first person from the school to be named a fellow of the National Academy of Inventors, the University of Rochester (URochester) said in a post on its website.
“Kevin devoted his career to innovation that has changed the world ... He was a remarkable person, and his legacy lives on through his students and through his immeasurable contributions to printing, diagnostics, and imaging,” said Wendi Heinzelman, PhD, dean of the Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences.
Kevin Parker in his lab at URochester's Hopeman Hall in July 2014.University of Rochester/J. Adam Fenster
Parker served in numerous critical leadership positions at URochester, including as director of the Rochester Center for Biomedical Ultrasound from 1990 to 2006, chair of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering from 1992 to 1998, associate vice provost for research and graduate affairs from 1996 to 1998, and dean of what was then called the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences from 1998 to 2008.
He experienced tremendous success translating his research into real-world applications and fruitful business ventures, URochester said. He held 33 U.S. patents and 14 international patents that have been licensed to 25 companies.
Parker is survived by his wife, Jean, and their four children. The university noted that more details about his life and memorial services are available in his obituary.
