Wei Kang

I first met Chris at the 1990 CDC  in Honolulu. I was then a graduate student working on nonlinear control theory and applying for jobs. I gave Chris a resume and we discussed normal forms as was addressed in my dissertation. I did not expect much from the job hunting because of the recession and tough job market during that time.  To my surprise, Chris contacted me a few months later and I was finally offered a position of visiting assistant professor at Washington University in St. Louis. This was really the starting point of my academic career as a professor of applied mathematics. During the three years from 1991 to 1994 spent at WashU. I learned a lot from Chris. I had frequent discussions with him, as well as Alberto Isidori, on finite time H-infinity control and robust output regulation. The vision and inspiring ideas of Chris always impressed me. I used to spend a great deal of time to digest his topological explanations of concepts in dynamical systems. He explained to me what is easy and what is hard in scientific research. During that period of time, I had the opportunity to meet with a long list of great people visiting the department. After almost twenty years, I still miss the exciting days I spent at Washington University. To me, Chris is a mentor and a friend. I will miss him a great deal.