Robert Thorson

Robert Thorson is a Professor of Earth Sciences at the University of Connecticut, specializing in the intersection of geology, historical archaeology, and environmental history. He holds a PhD from the University of Washington (1979), an M.S. from the University of Alaska (1975), and a B.S. from Bemidji State College (1973). His teaching focuses on the Honors Core Curriculum and advanced earth science courses like ERTH 3020 (Earth Surface Processes) and ERTH 4210 (Glacial Processes). Thorson’s research explores human-landscape interactions, emphasizing New England’s stone walls and Henry David Thoreau’s ecological insights. He leads initiatives like the Stone Wall Initiative and Stone Pavilion Project, blending academic scholarship with public engagement through writing, podcasts, and consulting. His work Stone By Stone: The Magnificent History in New England Stone Walls (2002/2022) earned recognition, including the 2023 History News Network’s Best History Writing award for its Smithsonian article. His scholarship bridges disciplines, addressing themes like the Anthropocene, cultural landscapes, and environmental policy.

Thorson’s research spans over 50 articles and books, with recent work on stone wall taxonomy (Historical Archaeology, 2023), Thoreau’s river years (Harvard UP, 2017), and glacial stratigraphy (Quaternary Research, 2019). His public-facing efforts include forensic consulting, book reviews (Wall Street Journal), and educational outreach through the Stone Wall Curriculum. He maintains active roles in academic societies and interdisciplinary collaborations, emphasizing the societal relevance of geological and environmental sciences.