Dartmouth Engineer

Photograph by Mark Washburn.

Adjunct Professor Robert D. Collier died August 14, 2009, at his home in Lebanon, N.H., at the age of 85. A researcher, lecturer, and entrepreneur, he had a long career that included pioneering work in underwater acoustics, sonar, noise, and vibration for the first U.S. nuclear submarine fleet. At Thayer School, he enjoyed teaching about acoustics and collaborating with students and Professor Laura Ray on active noise reduction. In 2004, he, Ray, and Christopher Pearson Tu’03 founded Sound Innovations Inc., a company that develops advanced noise-reduction technologies. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Marguerite, three children, three grandchildren, and a sister.