Mike Thornton

University of Idaho Professor MIke Thornton serves as Principal Investigator on the GLOBAL Project, as well as co-leader of the Project's Extension, Outreach, and Education team.

Dr. Thornton is a professor of plant science working on potatoes and onions for the University of Idaho at the Parma Research and Extension Center.   Dr. Thornton’s research program focuses on the sustainable production of new varieties, management of in-season pest problems, and reduction of losses during storage.  He has worked closely with key influencers in potato industry (growers, commodity commissions, and processors) to document and address the most important issues they face.  Dr. Thornton has over 35 years’ experience in the potato industry in North America, and has worked both in academia and industry.  This allows him to see problems from several perspectives, and develop effective research and extension programs.  He received his PhD degree in Plant Science from the University of Idaho in 1990, and joined the Plant, Soil and Entomological Sciences Department as a faculty member that same year.