Numerical calculation of eigenvalues of non-symmetric matrices served as the title for Egon Zakrajšek’s 1965 diploma work, signaling a career that bridged the gap between abstract mathematical theory and the pragmatic application of early computer science. His work established a foundation for digital infrastructure within Slovenia, evolving from theoretical research to the development of sophisticated statistical systems and programming environments.
Early Education and Academic Foundation
Born in 1941 in Ljubljana, Zakrajšek completed his primary and secondary education in Jesenice. He pursued higher studies at the University of Ljubljana, where he graduated in 1965 with a focus on technical mathematics. He subsequently earned a Master's degree from the University of Zagreb and completed his doctorate in 1978 at the University of Ljubljana, writing his dissertation on invariant embedding under the mentorship of Zvonimir Bohte.
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In 1968, Zakrajšek assumed management of the Computing Center at the Institute of Mathematics, Physics and Mechanics in Ljubljana. He became an expert on early machines like the Zuse Z-23 and the IBM 1130. Collaborating with Janez Štalec and Konstantin Momirović in 1969, he developed the SS Statistical System. This software remained in active use for two decades and marked a significant advancement in local computational capability.
International Experience and Later Career
In 1982, he moved to the United States to serve as a manager of programming equipment at Cromemco. Returning to Slovenia in 1994, he joined the Department of Mathematics and Physics at the Faculty of Science as an associate professor. His final years were defined by his advocacy for open systems, including Linux and Unix, and his expertise in technical documentation tools like LaTeX and MATLAB.
Teaching and Academic Influence
Throughout his tenure, Zakrajšek published 23 original scientific articles and authored 25 university-level textbooks alongside 33 high school texts. He mentored 22 diploma students and served as a co-mentor for doctoral candidates. Beyond his technical research, he translated James Weldon Demmel’s Applied Numerical Linear Algebra into Slovene in 2000, ensuring access to essential pedagogical materials for future generations of students.
Fast facts
- Born: 1941, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Died: 2002, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Education: University of Ljubljana, University of Zagreb
- Employers: Cromemco, University of Ljubljana
- Languages: Slovene, English
- Primary Fields: Mathematics, Computer Science
- 1965 Student Prešeren Award recipient
Questions readers ask
What subjects did Egon Zakrajšek teach?
He instructed courses in numerical analysis, discrete mathematics, linear algebra, graph and network theory, operational research, and the application of mathematics within natural and social sciences.
Which programming languages did he work with?
His expertise included assembly for the Zuse Z-23, Algol 60, Algol 68, Fortran, Pascal, and the C language.
Achievements
- Held posts at University of Ljubljana and Cromemco
- Fields: mathematics
