David W. J. Thompson

David W. J. Thompson is a Professor in the Department of Atmospheric Science at Colorado State University and the School of Environmental Sciences at the University of East Anglia. His primary research focuses on large-scale climate variability, emphasizing the use of observational data and numerical models to understand climate dynamics. Thompson has held visiting positions at institutions worldwide, including the Weizmann Institute, ETH Zurich, and the University of Tokyo. His work has been recognized through prestigious awards such as the Meisinger Award and the James B. Macelwane Medal.

• Education: Ph.D. (2000), M.S. (1998) in Atmospheric Sciences from the University of Washington; B.S. (1994) in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Colorado, Boulder.
• Research Interests: Climate variability, stratosphere-troposphere coupling, annular modes, cloud radiative effects, and ocean-atmosphere interactions.

Thompson has advised numerous students and collaborates on projects exploring climate change impacts, including the role of annular modes in regional climate trends. His publications span over three decades, with recent work addressing Antarctic sea ice loss, climate sensitivity, and extreme heat events.

• Awards: Popular Science Brilliant 10 (2006), Monfort Professorship (2006–2008), and Fellow of the American Geophysical Union (2004).
• Teaching: Courses include Advanced Atmospheric Dynamics (ATS602), Climate Variability (ATS606/608), and Weather and Climate (ATS350).