Book of Remembrance of
Nicholas Alexander
In loving memory of Professor Nicholas Alexander. Nick joined the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Bristol in 2003 and was a stalwart figure in championing the teaching of civil engineering throughout his time here, as well as being a leading authority on safety critical design of large infrastructure. Nick has been a hugely committed member of Civil Engineering for a very long time, and his loss will be felt terribly by all those who knew him. We invite everyone to share their memories and condolences.
Book Owner: School of Civil, Aerospace and Design Engineering – University of Bristol
Book Size:Â 200 Messages
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Neil Carhart
I met Nick when I was an undergraduate student studying Civil Engineering at the University of Bristol over 20 years ago. I learnt from the knowledge and expertise he shared with enthusiasm. When I later joined the Civil Engineering Department as a member of staff I gained even more deeply from the wisdom and support he offered with kindness. We shared a Tutor Group as Nick mentored me. It was clear that his care and concern for the students was central to his actions. He always made the time to stop and chat and I will miss those impromptu conversations the most. My thoughts are with his family and friends….
Dawei Han
It has been twenty years since I met Nick upon his arrival in the department. Although we were in different specialty areas, conversations with Nick proved both intriguing and intellectually enriching. In the old days when we interviewed all applicants to civil engineering, a thought-provoking question that Nick usually asked the interviewees was something like “When an object rests on a table, the table exerts a force precisely equal to the object’s weight. Explain how the table discerns this exact force, neither more nor less.”. It was mind-boggling. I can still vividly recall the way Nick asked such a question, and the varied reactions from the applicants. A graduation photo from 2005 brings the cherished memories with Nick (and other colleagues who have since departed: John Macdonald, David Nash and Bill Smith). Their absence is deeply felt….
Jo Gildersleve
I thoroughly enjoyed working with Nick in the SAFER project. Good humoured, interesting and clever, he was such a kind and lovely man and I am so sorry to hear of his passing and extend my condolences to all his family and friends. Jo…
Siobhan Pegler
So sorry to hear this news. Nicholas was one of the first Civil academics I worked with as a Modern Apprentice. The kindness I experienced at that time never changed. When I returned to Engineering in 2017 I worked closely with Nicholas on managing some very complex and sensitive PhD student case matters – his duty of care to his students was paramount in everything he did. I will think of Nicholas fondly and send my thoughts and prayers to his family at this very difficult time. Siobhan x…
Tasos Sextos
My friend Nick; For the last 10 years that I’ve had the pleasure and the honour to serve with you at the University, you have been an inextricably rare combination of a stellar scientist, a great mathematical mind and a person filled with integrity, courageously expressing his opinion. You worked enormously hard for our -then- Department and our group, always with a smile. Our discussions, at Amatrice in Italy after the earthquake, in Kathmandu Nepal and in Athens, during our MSc field trip, have always had, and will continue to have, a special place in my memory. I must confess now that on days that I had very pressing deadlines, I’d avoid knocking on your door, knowing that we would stay there, chatting together and sharing ideas for hours on end. The magic was that neither of us aimed to agree, but rather to embark on a intellectual journey of complex discussions – whether they be scientific, social, theological or political. When we started working together on our SAFER project, the ideas were flowing so fast, it was hard to implement them all at once. Now, I am at least somehow relieved that you saw our new building in…
Luhua Wang
I was so honored to be your student, your guidance as my second supervisor throughout my PhD journey was invaluable. Right from the start, you encouraged me to thoroughly investigate theories, urging me to delve beyond the apparent entry points. Under your mentorship, I adopted LaTeX for my writing. Whenever I faced challenges, especially mathematical ones, you were always there to offer your support graciously. The knowledge and theories you shared inspired my research immensely. Your wisdom and generosity have left a profound impact on me, influencing my academic pursuits. Rest peacefully, knowing you are deeply missed and affectionately remembered. With sincere remembrance, Luhua…
Xiao Ge
I’m so sorry to know your passing. I always remember and appreciate your guidance and support in my PhD study. You always told me not to sweep details under the carpet, which becomes an important principle in my career. I also learned a lot of interesting British idioms from you. Thank you Nick. Your wisdom will be alway remembered. May you rest in peace. Best, Xiao…
Felipe Vicencio
I’m devastated to hear about Nick’s passing. Nick was my advisor during my PhD studies in Bristol in 2016-2020, and then we continued to work closely together. Nick is tremendously knowledgeable in so many areas, especially earthquake engineering. I look back at these times with happiness and fulfilment. He was most supportive, always attentive to how I felt and how my family adapted to a new country. We used to have a meeting once a week, at least, where we discussed not just our research but also personal things. For sure, we had a lot of fun. Nick’s guidance and support have played a significant role in shaping my career and life. He has become not just a mentor but also a close friend. He is one of the kindest people I have ever met. Taken far too soon, I will miss you, Nick. Rest in peace, dear friend. Best….
Paul Weaver
So upset to hear of Nick’s passing. He was always cynically positive about things, showing understated wry humour! We shared a corridor space in a quiet place of Queen’s Building when he started 20 odd years ago and conversations quickly followed between us and often centred on emerging matrix method developments applicable to structural analysis. I look back at these times with fondness, not just because we both learnt things but also because it was just so enjoyable. Later, he also discussed colleagues or students he valued highly, and in a way that humbly precluded his own contributions to their development. Taken far too soon, best Paul…
James Webley
I will greatly miss our wide-ranging conversations in the corridors. Nick was always happy to engage and I very much valued his wise counsel, always given with good humour and a smile. With deepest condolences to his family….
Steve Eichhorn
I am so sorry to your family on your passing. My deepest condolences to your family. Nick used to jokingly call me “young man” when I would sometimes bump into him in the corridoor. His office was just down from mine. I now think about this and realise life is too short. He’s gone too soon this young man. I’ll miss bumping in to him in the coridoor….
Alan Champneys
Nick, I think I first met you at a conference in honour of your Michael Thompson, your PhD supervisor, you being introduced to me as our new lecturer about to join the University of Bristol from the University of East London. Since then, we interacted many times because of our shared interest in nonlinear dynamical systems theory. I greatly appreciated your positive attitude, and how your Christian conscience drew you to using your engineering knowhow to try to make the world a better place. I am glad we finally got to work together on research with Rory White and the late great John Macdonald. It felt that it was immesurably cruel that just as your research was coming into full fruition through the award of major funding you were struck down with this illness. But I know that the legacy of your work and attitude will continue for many years to come at the University of Bristol, and beyond. …
Flavia De Luca
You have been the person who brought me on tour to the University labs when I did the interview in May 2014. We have been working together since then: teaching, research… We have been having long discussions on earthquake engineering, agreeing and disagreeing. We have had fun! One of the fondest memories is the field trip with the MSc students in 2022 organised after covid, overcoming a lot of issues. You will be greatly missed; your wise smile is a happy memory for all of us. Flavia…
