Lou Sutherland—Bridging acoustics and people in acoustics

Abstract

Lou Sutherland’s scientific contributions have helped to renew the acoustic world. In all the years of my participation at ASA meetings, Lou has provided valuable insights that have advanced many subfields of noise. These include aircraft noise reduction, atmospheric sound propagation, classroom learning, and soundscape. Lou is always open to new ideas to improve acoustical calculations and measurements. His extensive work in classroom acoustics with David Lubman has increased his prominence in noise and architectural acoustics. For example, classroom acoustics has become one of the most persistent topics on the agendas of the Technical Committees on Noise and Architectural Acoustics for at least a decade. Although Lou and I have never worked together his publications on aircraft noise and soundscape have strongly influenced my research. Lou has an endearing and effective way of “inducting” new people into the ASA world. I remember with gratitude how Lou stimulated me to become active in ASA’s Noise and Architecture Acoustics communities by introducing me to its distinguished members. I am very pleased for this opportunity to thank Lou for his past work. And to continue our valuable discussions that make the world a better place by reducing noise and improving soundscape.