Derek Sutherland

Derek Sutherland is an accomplished professional in the field of fusion energy, currently serving as the VP of R&D at Realta Fusion since November 2024, focusing on commercializing the high-field magnetic mirror fusion concept. As the owner of Sutherland Consultancy, LLC and a member of the Fusion Energy Sciences Advisory Committee (FESAC) at the U.S. Department of Energy, Sutherland contributes expertise to the advancement of fusion technology. Prior roles include Head of FuZE-Q Physics at Zap Energy, Co-Founder and CEO of CTFusion, and an adjunct fellow at The American Security Project. Sutherland holds a Ph.D. in Aeronautics and Astronautics from the University of Washington and a B.S. in Nuclear Science and Engineering and Physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.