University of Washington Provost Tricia R. Serio announced that Joel Thornton will serve as the next Maggie Walker Dean of the College of the Environment. His appointment is effective June 1, pending approval from the UW Board of Regents.  

Thornton has served as interim dean since last July, filling the position vacated by Maya Tolstoy. 

Thornton, a professor and chair of the College’s Department of Atmospheric and Climate Science, is an atmospheric chemist who studies the impacts of human activities on air quality and climate through changes to the atmosphere’s composition and chemistry.  

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

Thornton’s research 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 components — strongly modulated by both human activities and natural processes — have important effects on human and ecosystem health, and impact climate through the greenhouse effect and changes to cloud properties.   

“I am truly honored and delighted to have been selected as the Maggie Walker Dean of the College of the Environment,” Thornton said. “Supporting the incredible research 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.” 

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 research contributions to the field of atmospheric science.  

He earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Dartmouth College, and his doctoral degree in chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley.