Professor Dr. Joseph Thornton

Biography

Joseph Thornton is a Professor in the Biological Sciences Division at the University of Chicago, specializing in Ecology and Evolution. He focuses on the mechanisms by which protein functions evolve, utilizing methods in phylogenetics to reconstruct the histories of ancient proteins. His research also explores the physical properties of proteins, including their evolutionary architecture, and how these aspects influence their functions. Thornton collaborates with a diverse group of evolutionary biologists, biochemists, and geneticists to address fundamental questions in molecular biology, such as the role of epistasis and mutation impacts on evolution. His academic journey includes a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from Columbia University, along with a postdoctoral fellowship at the American Museum of Natural History. Thornton's work is published in various renowned journals and includes topics related to the evolutionary adaptations of proteins and the interactions of molecular machines. He has been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the U.S. Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Research Fellowship.

Research Interests

Experience

Awards