John Clark Sutherland, Ph.D.
Physics 1962,
M.S. Physics 1964
Ph.D. Physics 1967
2025 College of Sciences Impact Award Winner
A triple Jacket, Sutherland conducted his doctoral research at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. After serving as a captain in the Army Medical Service Corps at Walter Reed, he pursued postdoctoral research at U.C. Berkeley and USC. He later held tenured faculty roles at U.C. Irvine, Brookhaven National Lab, and East Carolina University, where he was physics chair. Currently, he serves as professor and dean of the College of Science and Mathematics at Augusta University. A nationally renowned scientist, his research has focused on ultraviolet and visible biophysical spectroscopy and — in collaboration with his late wife, Betsy Middleton Sutherland — the effect of ultraviolet light on DNA. He has authored or co-authored over 170 publications; two inventions achieved R&D 100 recognition. A long-standing member of the College of Sciences Advisory Board, his philanthropic contributions, reflected in endowed chairs, professorships, and student research awards, are playing a pivotal role in shaping the College’s future — elevating and expanding academic and research opportunities for faculty and students.
A recollection of Georgia Tech:
"Of the many recollections of Georgia Tech, one worth mentioning occurred during my first week when Dean Ajax addressing the assembled freshman gave the “Look to your right, look to your left, ...” admonition, which was not far from reality at the time. While no longer in fashion, it would also not be appropriate today because of the qualifications of present Tech students, which results in outstanding retention, progression, and graduation rates. Georgia Tech has made similar progress in research, becoming one of the 20 universities in the United States with the highest research expenditures — and the only one in that group that does not have a medical school. When I was a student, Georgia Tech had a good reputation for academics. All alumni benefit because Georgia Tech continues to enhance its prominence in research and student excellence."
