Professor Bruce Nelson has been named Chair of the Department of Earth and Space Sciences, effective July 1, 2015 and subject to approval by the Board of Regents.

Nelson, a geochemist who specializes in the tools of isotope geochemistry, is known for his expertise in a wide range of Earth science topics, including volcanology, sedimentary transport, tectonic history, and environmental contamination to name a few. He has also been recognized for his excellence in teaching with outstanding teaching awards from both the Department and the College. Most recently, Nelson has served as Associate Dean for Research at the College of the Environment, where he has effectively shepherded numerous interdisciplinary and emerging research initiatives at the college level with collegiality and creativity.

Nelson will assume the helm from Professor Robert Winglee, who chaired the Department for 10 years. “Robert has been a passionate advocate for ESS and the Department is a stronger and more dynamic place because of it,” says Dean Lisa Graumlich. “His work has made the Department, the College and the UW a more diverse, inclusive place; he has been an advocate of rigorous, hands-on learning experiences for undergraduates; and he has been a critical resource in developing innovative partnerships with external stakeholders to further research and education programming. We thank him for his service.”