Trinity Hall announces new “academic champion” as the next Senior Tutor is found

Trinity Hall’s next Senior Tutor will be Dr Michael Sutherland, a Canadian-born physicist who has worked in Cambridge for almost 20 years.

Dr Sutherland will take over the reins from incumbent Senior Tutor Dr Clare Jackson during the summer break, ahead of Michaelmas Term.

Currently a Fellow at Corpus Christi College in Cambridge he has held positions as Tutor in undergraduate and postgraduate admissions and Director of Studies in Natural Sciences. He was previously a Royal Society University Research Fellow, and holds research interests in quantum condensed matter physics. His research involves the experimental study of metallic materials where electrons interact strongly through quantum effects.

Welcoming the appointment, the Master, Mary Hockaday, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Dr Sutherland to Trinity Hall. His academic and tutorial experience and his passion for making Cambridge accessible to all those who deserve to be here, combined with his personal warmth, will be a great addition to our community.

“I want to thank Dr Jackson for her long service as Senior Tutor and welcome Dr Sutherland as we embrace the next phase of Trinity Hall’s long history.”  

The Senior Tutor role is one of the most senior positions in the College. The post holder is the academic and pastoral champion for undergraduates and postgraduates, helps shape the academic Fellowship and is responsible for maintaining and developing within the College an environment which supports academic progress and personal growth.

Dr Sutherland said: “I am both honoured and excited to be joining Trinity Hall, a College that I have always admired for its strong sense of community and commitment to student support.

“Over the past few weeks I have been fortunate to meet some of your students, staff and Fellows, and I am struck by the shared affection for the College, but also the optimism and ambition for the future. I very much look forward to playing a role in shaping Trinity Hall’s intellectual environment and to inspire academic excellence.”

Reflecting on what he hoped to bring to the crucial role of Senior Tutor, he said: “Since arriving in Cambridge in 2004 I have fulfilled a variety of roles in the areas of research, teaching and student support.

“I hope to use this broad experience and my collegial outlook to help realise the College’s exciting educational ambitions in the years ahead. I especially enjoy working collaboratively with people and can’t wait to join the Trinity Hall community.”

Dr Sutherland will take up the role on September 15.