Mikhail "Misha" Stepanov, a dedicated professor of applied mathematics at the University of Arizona and a deeply loved husband and father, tragically died in a traffic accident on May 7, 2026, in Tucson, Arizona, at the age of 51. Misha was born on August 6, 1974, in Novosibirsk, Russia. He graduated from Novosibirsk State University and conducted research at the Weizmann Institute and later Los Alamos National Laboratory before joining the University of Arizona faculty in 2004. For over twenty years, he was known by his colleagues and students as a brilliant lecturer, a rigorous scientist, and a deeply kind-hearted person who was always willing to offer his guidance. Throughout his life, Misha was defined by his absolute honesty, deep sense of responsibility, and unshakeable integrity. He is survived by his wife, Jenya; his daughters, Olya and Katyа; and a worldwide community of friends, colleagues, and students who deeply honor his memory.
A memorial service will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at East Lawn Palms Mortuary, 5801 E. Grant Rd., Tucson, Arizona.
