Department of Earth and Space Sciences Professor Bruce Nelson has agreed to serve as the College of the Environment’s Associate Dean for Research, effective September 16. In this role he will foster multidisciplinary collaborations, promote and support the range of basic and applied research programs across the College and University, and help faculty identify opportunities to partner and collaborate with universities and research organizations both in the U.S. and around the world.

Bruce returns to this role after having served as the College’s inaugural Associate Dean for Research and Chair of the Department of Earth and Space Sciences. His research focuses on the geochemical evolution of the Earth’s mantle and continental crust, seafloor hydrothermal processes and the isotopic tracing of toxic metal contamination of rivers, lakes and soils in the Pacific Northwest.

“I am so very thankful that Bruce has agreed to come back to the Dean’s Office to help me finish out my final year,” says Dean Lisa Graumlich.

Bruce succeeds Rob Wood, who will be returning to his full-time appointment as a professor in the Department of Atmospheric Sciences.

“I am incredibly grateful for Rob’s service to the College over the past three years and for the opportunity to see firsthand Rob’s thoughtful approach to the role of academic leadership and his commitment to supporting scientists at all stages of their careers,” says Graumlich.