John H. Brodie

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John Hartley Brodie (1970-2006), was a theoretical physicist expert in string theory.

Brodie received bachelor's and master's degrees from Cornell university in physics. In the year following, he traveled around the world, mainly in the Far East, where he developed an interest in Eastern philosophies and religions. He returned to doctoral studies in theoretical physics at Princeton University. He accepted a post-doctorate offer from the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center and then at the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics in Waterloo, Canada.

He was one of the first postdoctoral researchers at Perimeter institute. His work was notable for its breadth, ranging from nonperturbative effects in supersymmetric gauge theories to string theoretic descriptions of quantum hall fluids and of inflationary cosmology. He was a sharp intellect, a free spirit and a gentle person.

In 2004, Brodie took a leave of absence from research and publication in disciplinary journals to teach at the Monteverde Friends School in Costa Rica. Traveling to Nicaragua, he helped construct housing for the poor with Habitat for Humanity.

John Hartley Brodie, 36, a theoretical physicist, drowned on January 28, 2006 near Brattleboro, Vt., where he was residing.

For his memory there presents an annual prize in the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics to the independence and creativity in theoretical research.