In Memoriam: Stephen Pothier

Dr. Pothier was instrumental in the creation of GW’s float for President Obama’s inaugural parade.

May 8, 2010

Stephen Pothier

Stephen Pothier, senior research scientist in GW’s Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, died Nov. 30 in Washington, D.C.

Dr. Pothier served as adviser to GW’s Inaugural Float Committee, helping to build the 70-foot-long float that represented GW in the Inauguration Day parade last January.

Before joining GW, Dr. Pothier was an engineer for Walt Disney World’s Ride and Show Engineering and on the faculty at Princeton University. Dr. Pothier earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, a master’s degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a doctorate in mechanical engineering from Tufts University. Dr. Pothier also was a Delta Air Lines pilot.

Dr. Pothier is survived by his four siblings, two brothers-in-law, a sister-in-law, and her two children.

Dr. Pothier’s body will be donated to GW Medical School and there will be no memorial service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the National Brain Tumor Society, East Coast Office, 124 Watertown Street, Suite D, Watertown, MA 02474 or the Port Townsend High School Wrestling Club, at 1865 West Uncas Rd., Port Townsend, WA 98368.