91×ÔÅÄ

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91×ÔÅÄ Provost TriciaÌýR.ÌýSerio announced thatÌýÌýwill serveÌýasÌýtheÌýnext Maggie Walker Dean of the College of the Environment. His appointment is effective June 1, pending approval from the UW Board of Regents.ÌýÌý

ThorntonÌýhas served asÌýinterim deanÌýsince last July, filling the position vacated by Maya Tolstoy.Ìý

Thornton,ÌýaÌýprofessor and chair of theÌýCollege’sÌýDepartmentÌýof Atmospheric and ClimateÌýScience,Ìýis an atmospheric chemist who studies the impacts of human activities on air quality and climate through changes to the atmosphere’s composition and chemistry.ÌýÌý

man with glasses
Joel Thornton Photo: 91×ÔÅÄ

“Throughout the search process, the deep respect for Dr. Thornton as both a scholar and an effective and engaged leader were evident,â€� Serio said.Ìý“His extensive knowledge of and dedication to the College and its mission will support its continued excellence.â€�Ìý

Thornton’sÌý91×ÔÅÄ focus is on the processes which regulate the formation and removal of short-lived greenhouse gases such as methane and ozone, and the formation and growth of airborne particulate matter. These atmospheric componentsÌý—Ìýstrongly modulated by both human activities and natural processesÌý—Ìýhave important effects on human and ecosystem health, and impact climate through the greenhouse effect and changes to cloud properties.ÌýÌýÌý

“I am truly honored and delighted to have been selected as the Maggie Walker Dean of the College of the Environment,” ThorntonÌýsaid.Ìý“Supporting the incredible 91×ÔÅÄ and teaching that takes place here as interim dean has been an inspiring experience, and I’m looking forward to partnering with our entire community to further grow the impact of this crucial work.”Ìý

The recipient of a National Science Foundation CAREER Award and a NASA New Investigator Award, Thornton has also received the Houghton Award from the American Meteorological Society and the ASCENT Award from the American Geophysical Union for his 91×ÔÅÄ contributions to the field of atmospheric science.ÌýÌý

He earned his bachelor’s degree inÌýchemistry from Dartmouth College, andÌýhis doctoral degreeÌýinÌýchemistry from the University of California, Berkeley.ÌýÌýÌý