Scott Doney

Scott Doney is the Joe D. and Helen J. Kington Professor in Environmental Change at the University of Virginia's Department of Environmental Sciences within the College of Arts & Sciences. He also maintains a significant affiliation with the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution as a Senior Scientist in the Department of Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry. His work bridges oceanography, climate science, and biogeochemistry with a strong emphasis on numerical modeling and data analysis.

• PH.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology-Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Joint Program in Oceanography, 1991

Doney's research spans oceanography, climate and biogeochemistry with particular focus on how the global carbon cycle and ocean ecology respond to natural and human-driven climate change signals such as ocean warming, sea-ice loss, and ocean acidification. His work integrates numerical models, remote sensing, and data analysis to understand complex Earth system processes. The publication record reveals strong emphasis on carbon cycle dynamics, marine ecosystem responses to climate change, and emerging research on carbon dioxide removal technologies and their implications.

His recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate continued leadership in ocean carbon cycle research while expanding into climate mitigation strategies, particularly marine carbon dioxide removal approaches. The articles show interdisciplinary work connecting ocean biogeochemistry with climate policy, atmospheric science, and environmental economics. Key themes include carbon cycle dynamics, marine ecosystem responses to environmental change, and the scientific basis for climate intervention strategies.

• James B. Macelwane Medal from the American Geophysical Union (2000)
• Aldo Leopold Leadership Program Fellowship (2004)

Doney has testified before both the US House of Representatives and the US Senate on climate-related matters and served as inaugural chair of the Ocean Carbon and Biogeochemistry (OCB) program. His textbook 'Modeling Methods for Marine Science' (2011) remains an important resource for students and researchers. With over 160 peer-reviewed publications, his work connects fundamental ocean processes with broader climate system understanding and policy implications.

His research group at UVA collaborates extensively with national and international programs, including NASA satellite missions and large-scale ocean observing initiatives. The Computational Biogeochemistry Lab he leads develops and applies models to understand ocean carbon cycling and ecosystem dynamics across multiple scales.