Christopher A. Sutton

Christopher A. Sutton is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of South Carolina, affiliated with the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences. His research focuses on computational materials discovery, integrating machine learning and first-principles methods to design and understand functional materials for energy applications.

Education:

• B.S., University of Central Arkansas, 2004–2008
• Ph.D., Georgia Institute of Technology, 2009–2014

Research Interests:
Sutton’s work emphasizes machine learning-driven materials design, electronic structure calculations, and high-throughput screening for energy storage, optoelectronics, and catalytic systems. His lab explores domains such as perovskites, battery materials, and defect engineering.

Grants & Funding:

• DOE/HFTO (Co-PI): $1,000,000
• NSF EPSCoR RII Track 1: $20,000,000
• DOD/DEPSCOR: $600,000

Awards:

• Alexander von Humboldt Postdoctoral Fellowship (2016–2018)
• 67th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting Attendee (Chemistry)
• Recipient of multiple fellowships and scholarships

Labs & Teams:
The Sutton Lab at USC specializes in machine learning for quantum mechanical property prediction and computational materials discovery. Collaborations include experimentalists and AI experts to bridge theory and application.