Working for NASA

In 1985, Dr. Betsy Sutherland became the first woman to win the U.S. Department of Energy's Ernest Orlando Memorial Award for Outstanding Contributions to Atomic Energy. She won the award for her analyses of the consequences of DNA repair in bacteria and human cells exposed to ultraviolet light. Although the award was established in 1959, Sutherland was the first woman to be so honored.

When asked about winning the award, Betsy Sutherland replied that she was delighted.

"It was unexpected. They were most kind to recognize me. Any award is really an acknowledgement of the folks I work with in the lab. They make it happen," Betsy Sutherland said.

Eight years before winning the award she joined Brookhaven National Laboratory's Biology Department, and her work there has focused on understanding DNA damage and repair. In 1990 she was honored by the Town of Brookhaven Office of Women's Services for her achievements in science. She was honored once again in 1998 when the University of Tennessee elected her to their Alumni Academic Hall of Fame, where she had received her Ph.D. in radiation biology in 1967.

She has achieved international distinction in areas of great interest to health and environmental research through her studies of how ultraviolet radiation produces genetic damage in human cells and how human cells limit the biological consequence of such damage.

"Betsy Sutherland is passionate about her work, the hallmark characteristic of scientists at Brookhaven Lab," said Diane Greenberg.

Tenacious and hard working, Dr. Sutherland is exacting in her research and sets high standards for herself and for those who work in her lab. She is also a good educator; one of the former associates in her lab Noelle Cutter, was the Chasman Scholarship this year to pursue graduate studies.

In 1964, Sutherland earned a B.S. in biology from Emory University and the following year she earned her M.S. from the same University. Two years later she earned her Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee. After she completed her postdoctoral work at the Walter Reed Research Institute and the University of California Berkley, she joined the University of California Irvine in 1972, where she was on faculty until 1977, the year she came to Brookhaven Lab.

The nomination for woman of the year came from Diane Greenberg who said she nominated Betsy Sutherland because "she has a very distinguished career in science, and her work on DNA damage and repair may be of practical value to determining how to treat or eradicate disease." Many of Sutherland's colleagues echo Diane Greenberg.

Many of Sutherland's colleagues echo Diane Greenberg.

"Yes, she certainly deserves Woman of the Year. She is an exceptional scientist in so many ways," Paula Bennett said.

At the present time, Dr. Sutherland is studying the biological effects of radiation in space at the NASA Space Radiation Laboratory at Brookhaven Lab. The goal of these studies is to help assess risk to astronauts so that adequate preventive measures can be designed for long space missions. This is ground breaking work in the field of radiation biology.

Pat Hein, who works with Betsy Sutherland at Brookhaven National Lab calls her an "extremely dedicated, diligent and knowledgeable scientist,"

Sutherland has been in the DNA field for many years. According to Hein she has a wonderful inquiring mind and see each new experiment as a challenge. She is naturally inquisitive and has a passion for what she does and it shows in every aspect of her work, which is always thorough and complete.

"When a scientist in our group shares their findings and our weekly meetings, she is always engaged in the results and/or the problem, and will say, "Hmm that's interesting," and you know that intelligent mind of hers is trying to figure out the problem," Pat Hein said.

Hein added that working with Betsy Sutherland has been a pleasure. "I have learned so much about DNA repair, radiation, and what can be done through research to prevent its damage. It is so interesting to be a part of something that is helping mankind."

Paula Bennett, who has worked with Sutherland for twenty-seven-years describes her as a pure scientist with an acute intelligence that is combined with fierce integrity and high standards.

"She is also an excellent role model for young women pursuing scientific careers. Her laboratory has sent off many of Long Island's (and the nation's) best and brightest young people to outstanding graduate programs,"

Betsy Sutherland contributes to the community in the large sense by bringing in over a million dollars per annum, which translates into many dollars for the Long Island economy. She also gives lectures about NASA's research at BNL to local community groups and is an avid fan of protecting Long Island's environment.

"I love doing science. It's always interesting to figure out what the data is trying to tell you," Betsy Sutherland said.