William Nicholas Hitchon
William Nicholas Guy Hitchon (22 October 1957 – 23 July 2023), commonly known as Nick Hitchon, was a nuclear fusion scientist and professor at the University of Wisconsin.[1][2]
Early life and education
[edit]Hitchon was born in Skipton, West Riding of Yorkshire (now North Yorkshire), the eldest of three sons to Iona (née Hall) and Guy Hitchon.[3][4][5] He was educated at Ermysted's Grammar School, Skipton, from 1968 to 1975.[3] Later, he earned a bachelor's and master's degree in physics from Oxford University and a D.Phil. in engineering science from the same university.[3][6]
Career
[edit]In 1964, Hitchon was featured as a child in the Seven Up! documentary for ITV's World in Action series.[2][3] His life was revisited at seven-year intervals in subsequent episodes by director Michael Apted until 2019.[3][7]
In 1982, Hitchon joined the University of Wisconsin, Madison, in the department of electrical and computer engineering.[3][6] He became a professor in 1994 and served as the department chair from 1999 to 2002.[3][6] In 2022, he took retirement.[8] During his tenure, he authored three books.[3]
Personal life
[edit]Hitchon was married twice. His first marriage, in 1979, was to Jacqui Bush, who accompanied him when he moved to the United States, and with whom he had a son, but from whom he was later divorced. His second marriage, in 2001, was to Cryss Brunner.[3][4]
Bibliography
[edit]- Plasma Processes for Semiconductor Fabrication
References
[edit]- ^ Hitchon, Andrew (27 August 2023). "Nick Hitchon obituary". The Guardian. Retrieved 21 October 2023.
- ^ a b Genzlinger, Neil (28 August 2023). "Nicholas Hitchon, Who Aged 7 Years at a Time in 'Up' Films, Dies at 65". The New York Times. Retrieved 21 October 2023.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Obituaries, Telegraph (22 August 2023). "Nick Hitchon, nuclear scientist whose life's ups and downs were charted in the documentary series Seven Up! – obituary". The Telegraph. Retrieved 21 October 2023.
- ^ a b Hitchon, Andrew (27 August 2023). "Nick Hitchon obituary". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 6 July 2025.
- ^ "Nicholas Hitchon obituary". The Times. 25 August 2023. Retrieved 21 October 2023.
- ^ a b c "Remembering Professor William "Nick" Hitchon". 7 August 2023. Retrieved 21 October 2023.
- ^ "Nicholas Hitchon Dies: British Farm Boy Whose Life Was Chronicled in 'Up' Documentary Series Was 65". 29 August 2023. Retrieved 21 October 2023.
- ^ "ECE Professor William (Nick) Hitchon retires". 11 July 2023. Retrieved 21 October 2023.