David J. Thomas
Faculty
Dr. David J. Thomas, Professor of Biology
B.S., M.S., Central Washington University; Ph.D., University of Idaho
Discipline: Biology
Contact Information
Building: Derby Center for Science and Mathematics
Office: 149
Telephone: 870.307.7269
After working as a research associate at the University of Idaho, Dr. David Thomas joined the Lyon College faculty in 1999. Dr. Thomas studies astrobiology – the search for life in the Universe. Specifically, he is interested in how microorganisms adapt to extreme environments (deserts, caves, etc.), and applying this knowledge to extraterrestrial environments. Dr. Thomas routinely teaches Principles of Biology I (BIO 110), Biomedical Terminology (BIO 205), Earth Systems (BIO 349), and Microbiology (BIO 350). Outside of the lab and classroom, Dr. Thomas advises biology majors and undeclared students, and is the pre-health professions advisor for nursing, allied health sciences and medical technology. He is the faculty advisor for Catholic Campus Ministry, and president of the COBRA Grotto of the National Speleological Society.