Dr. Holden Thorp, PhD

Dr. Holden Thorp currently serves as Editor-in-Chief of the Science family of journals and Professor of Chemistry at George Washington University, following a distinguished career in academic leadership and entrepreneurship. A North Carolina native, he earned his B.S. in Chemistry from UNC-Chapel Hill with highest honors, completed his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Caltech at age 24, and conducted postdoctoral work at Yale University. His career spans multiple leadership roles, including Chancellor of UNC-Chapel Hill (2008-2013) and Provost at Washington University in St. Louis (2013-2019), where he significantly increased student diversity and academic excellence. As an entrepreneur, he co-founded several biotechnology companies, including Viamet Pharmaceuticals and Xanthon, demonstrating his commitment to translating research into practical applications. His academic contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including recognition as a charter fellow of the National Academy of Inventors and selection for the Presidential Young Investigator Award. Beyond his scientific work, he has shaped higher education policy through service on the National Commission on Higher Education Attainment and the Homeland Security Academic Advisory Council, while maintaining his passion for music as an accomplished jazz bassist and keyboard player.