The University of Lethbridge shares its deep condolences with the family, friends and former colleagues of biology professor emeritus and former director of the Alberta Terrestrial Imaging Centre, Dr. Karl Staenz, who passed away July 1, 2026, at the age of 78.
Staenz was born in Switzerland and moved to Canada in the mid 1980s where he worked at the Canada Centre for Remote Sensing in Ottawa for over 20 years before joining the University of Lethbridge in 2006. Staenz's research focused on spectral sensing, including the process of image data preprocessing, information extraction for various applications and building intelligent image processing and monitoring systems.
In 2010, Staenz was awarded the prestigious 2010 Gold Medal from the Canadian Remote Sensing Society (CRSS). The award recognizes a significant long-term contribution to the field of remote sensing in Canada, and is the highest award in the country granted by the Society for Excellence in Remote Sensing.
For more on the life of Staenz, visit his memorial notice. At his request, no funeral service will be held. The University of Lethbridge will lower its flag on Thursday, July 23, in recognition of his passing.
Contact:
Trevor Kenney | trevor.kenney@uleth.ca