R. Brock Fuller ’49 *52

Brock Fuller died Nov. 6, 2009, at the age of 82.  

He prepared for Princeton at Phillips Andover Academy, and at Princeton he majored in mathematics. He was a member of the Chess Club and Court Club, and was awarded the Brown Prize scholarship.

After earning a Ph.D. in mathematics at Princeton, Brock embarked on a distinguished four-decade teaching and research career at Caltech and specialized in algebraic topology. He developed an index for counting periodic orbits as a means of understanding differential equations that is now known as the “Fuller Index.”  

His later work focused on the development of “writhing numbers,” a mathematical means of describing super-coiled double-stranded DNA helices with a direct application to the field of genetics.  

Brock thrived in Caltech’s vibrant intellectual community and pursued interests beyond mathematics, including music and sound reproduction. His other interests included hiking and back-country treks in the Sierras, photography, woodworking, gourmet cooking, fine wines, and studio art. He studied at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. He was active in the Princeton Alumni Association.

Brock is survived by his wife, Alison; a daughter, Lynn Fuller; and four grandchildren. The class mourns with them on their loss of this brilliant gentleman.