Darelle Thornton
Youth Trustee Board Member
Darelle Thornton is an undergraduate student at Berea College pursuing a dual Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Political Science, with the intention of practicing law with a concentration in national security. A Jamaican American from Akron, Ohio, Darelle is a multidisciplinary researcher and policy practitioner whose work spans nanotechnology, nuclear engineering, environmental jurisprudence, and national security strategy.
As a Research Fellow, Darelle developed imine-based Covalent-Organic photocatalysts for seawater uranium extraction, advancing domestic nuclear energy viability. This work, alongside his research in closed-loop nuclear fission reengineering, earned him the NASA Earth System Design Award and Congressional recognition for contributions to civilian nuclear fission innovation. His earlier polymer research at the University of Akron resulted in the development of a carbon-negative polymer used in automotive and aerospace manufacturing.
In national security, Darelle has worked with AI startups and German Institutions to advance an autonomous Multi-Domain Command and Control architecture for drone swarm coordination and maritime ISR integration, complemented by in-depth analytical research on Middle Eastern intrastate conflicts and U.S. defense posturing.
As a Gates Foundation Commissioner and Founder of his startup, The Keeling Pledge, Darelle has connected 450+ students to the green energy sector, led international environmental campaigns, and restored and protected 70 acres of coral reef.
Darelle’s work is united by a commitment to bridging science, law, and policy for equitable civic and climate action.