Personal information

Work Address: Math and Science Division, Lyon College, P.O. Box 2317 (2300 Highland Road), Batesville, AR 72503-2317
Phone: 870-698-4269 (office), 870-698-4692 (fax)
E-mail: dthomas@lyon.edu
Web page: http://www.lyon.edu/webdata/users/dthomas/index.html
Citizenship: United States

Relevant work experience

Associate professor of biology (August 2005-), Science Division Chairman (July 2007-) Lyon College, Science Division, Batesville, AR 72501.  I teach non-majors biology, general biology, microbiology, Earth systems and other subjects.  I also teach non-credit courses in biology for advanced high-school students.  I do research on cyanobacterial physiology and astrobiology, and supervise undergraduate research students.

Assistant professor of microbiology (August 1999-July 2005), Lyon College, Science Division, Batesville, AR 72501.  I taught non-majors biology, general biology, cell biology, microbiology, biochemistry, immunology and other subjects.  I also taught non-credit courses in biology for advanced high-school students.  I did research on cyanobacterial physiology and astrobiology, and supervised undergraduate research students.

Post-doctoral research associate (1998-1999), University of Idaho, Department of Biological Sciences, Moscow, ID 83844-3051.  I did research to elucidate the functions of the subunits of photosystem I.  In addition, I continued my research on the protective properties of antioxidants in photosynthetic organisms and also evaluated the abilities of various cyanobacteria to grow under simulated martian conditions.  My duties also included the day-to-day maintenance and upkeep of the laboratory and the supervision of four undergraduate student assistants.

Project counselor (summer 1998), NASA Space Life Sciences Training Program, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL 32307-3800.  I assisted students with program activities and provided guidance on laboratory research projects, written and oral reports.  I was also responsible for program logistics, including student housing and transportation.

Teaching/research assistant (1995-1998), University of Idaho, Department of Biological Sciences, Moscow, ID 83844-3051.  I prepared and taught laboratory sessions in general botany and plant physiology.  As a teaching assistant, I prepared laboratory materials, graded assignments and supervised experiments and research projects.  I did research to elucidate the functions and protective qualities of superoxide dismutases and other antioxidants in the cyanobacterium, Synechococcus, which I used as a model for chloroplasts and mitochondria in higher organisms.  In addition, I performed joint research with other labs on the campus.  I supervised one to three undergraduate assistants and took care of the routine laboratory maintenance and upkeep.

Biology instructor (1993-1995), Belleville Area College, Department of Biology, Health and Physical Education, 2500 Carlyle Road, Belleville, IL 62221.  I prepared and taught lecture and laboratory sessions in introductory biology, microbiology, general botany, health, and special topics.  I wrote a laboratory manual for the microbiology class.  Also, I served on the faculty development committee and chaired the faculty computer committee.

Planetary biology intern (summer 1993), NASA Ames Research Center, Planetary Sciences Division, M/S 245-3, Moffett Field, CA 94035-1000.  I performed research concerning the possibility of introducing life to and creating ecosystems on Mars.

Teaching assistant (1991-1993), Central Washington University, Biology Department, Ellensburg, WA 98926-7537.  I prepared and taught laboratory sessions in introductory biology, general botany, general zoology, cell biology, zoophysiology and graduate microbiology.  I also prepared and graded assignments and quizzes for most of these labs.  During my last quarter, I re-wrote the lab materials for the general zoology lab.

Range technician (summer 1991), USDA Forest Service, Paulina Ranger District, Ochoco National Forest, 171500 Beaver Creek Road, Paulina, OR 97751.  I performed sensitive plant surveys and prepared botanical biological evaluations prior to major district projects (logging, grazing allocation, etc.).  I was also trained as a rangeland fire fighter, and usually acted in supporting roles during district fires.

Chemistry technician/Research analyst (1990-1991), Umpqua Research Company, PO Box 791, Myrtle Creek, OR 97457.  For the first three months, I worked as an analytical chemistry technician.  I analyzed ore and water samples using atomic absorption spectrophotometry and gas chromatography.  For the remainder of the period, I worked as a research analyst in the development of water recycling systems for space applications (what was then Space Station Freedom).  I left the job when the NASA/Boeing contract was cancelled, and went back to school.

Teaching/research assistant (1989-1990), University of Alaska, Department of Biology and Wildlife/Institute of Arctic Biology, Fairbanks, AK 99775.  I taught laboratory sessions in general biology and microbiology, and "guest lectured" in microbiology.  I did research on detection and differentiation of soil bacteria and fungi in arctic and sub-arctic ecosystems.  I also did theoretical research concerning life and hidden ecosystems on Mars.

Undergraduate teaching assistant (1988), Central Washington University, Biology Department, Ellensburg, WA 98926-7537.  I assisted the graduate assistant in teaching laboratory sessions in introductory biology and cell biology.

I am proficient with the use of many computer software and hardware applications on PC, Macintosh and Vax/VMS platforms, including word processing, spreadsheet, database and data analysis programs.  I am often asked to informally train people and solve problems with computer hardware and software.  I also have knowledge ranging from passing familiarity to expertise with a variety of analytical instruments including: UV/visible spectrophotometry, high performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography and atomic absorption spectrophotometry.  I am reasonably familiar with the methods used in molecular biology and molecular genetics and have used some of these techniques in my own research.  I have knowledge of the instrumentation and methods used in forest canopy research, but have not had the opportunity to put that knowledge to use.  I also have experience operating heavy equipment (bulldozer, tractor, backhoe, forklift and dump truck) and off road vehicles.

Job-related certificates and licenses

Arkansas driver’s license.
PADI advanced open-water SCUBA certificate.

American Society for Gravitational and Space Biology
American Society for Microbiology
British Interplanetary Society (Fellow)
Geological Society of America
Marsbugs: The Electronic Astrobiology Newsletter, co-founder, editor and publisher
National Speleological Society

Dean’s list, every quarter in attendance at CWU, 1984-1989.
Outstanding College Students of America, Inductee, 1987.
Dean’s Scholar, Central Washington University, 1989.
Graduated magna cum laude, Central Washington University, 1989.
USFS performance award, 1991.
CWU graduate student scholarship (merit and need based), 1992/93 school year.
Who’s Who in Science and Engineering, 1994.
"Best Graduate Student Paper," Idaho Academy of Science, 1996.
"Outstanding Student Papers, Honorable Mention," Western Photosynthesis Conference, 1998.
Phi Sigma biological sciences honor society, 1998.
Elected to Fellowship in the British Interplanetary Society, 1999.

D. J. Thomas, J. Boling, P. J. Boston, K. A. Campbell, T. McSpadden, L. McWilliams, and P. Todd, 2006.  Extremophiles for ecopoeisis: desirable traits for and survivability of pioneer martian microorganisms.  Gravitational and Space Biology, 19(2):91-104.

N. A. Thomas, P. Todd, G. W. Metz, M. A. Kurk, D. J. Thomas, 2006. Performance evaluation of a laboratory test bed for planetary biology.  Gravitational and Space Biology, 19(2):131-132.

D. J. Thomas and S. K. Herbert, 2005.  An inexpensive apparatus for growing photosynthetic microorganisms in exotic atmospheres.  Astrobiology, 5(1):75-82.

D. J. Thomas, S. L. Sullivan, A. L. Price and S. M. Zimmerman, 2005. Common freshwater cyanobacteria grow in 100% CO₂.  Astrobiology, 5(1):66-74.

D. J. Thomas, 2002.  Interstellar panspermia revisited again: in defense of life's evolution on Earth. Journal of the British Interplanetary Society, 55(5/6):200-201.

D. J. Thomas, J. Thomas, P. A. Youderian, S. K. Herbert, 2001. Photoinhibition and light-induced cyclic electron transport in ndhB^- and psaE^- mutants of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. Plant and Cell Physiology, 42(8):803-812.

S. D. Hart, P. A. Currier and D. J. Thomas, 2000.  Denitrification by Pseudomonas aeruginosa under simulated engineered martian conditions.  Journal of the British Interplanetary Society, 53(9/10):357-359.

D. J. Thomas, J. B. Thomas, S. D. Prier, N. E. Nasso and S. K. Herbert, 1999.  Iron superoxide dismutase provides protection against chilling damage in the cyanobacterium, Synechococcus sp. PCC7942.  Plant Physiology, 120(1):275-282.

D. J. Thomas, 1998.  Physiological Roles of Superoxide Dismutases in the Cyanobacterium, Synechococcus sp. Strain PCC7942.  Ph.D. dissertation, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID. 92 numbered leaves.

D. J. Thomas, T. J. Avenson, J. B. Thomas and S. K. Herbert, 1998. A cyanobacterium lacking iron superoxide dismutase is sensitized to oxidative stress induced with methyl viologen but not sensitized to oxidative stress induced with norflurazon.  Plant Physiology,116(4):1593-1602.

R. E. Martin, D. J. Thomas, D. E. Tucker and S. K. Herbert, 1997. The effects of photooxidative stress on photosystem I measured in vivo in Chlamydomonas.  Plant, Cell and Environment, 20:1451-1461.

V. Magrini, D. Salmi, D. Thomas, S. K. Herbert, P. L. Hartzell and P. Youderian, 1997.   Temperate Myxococcus xanthus phage Mx8 encodes a DNA adenine methylase, Mox.  Journal of Bacteriology, 179:4254-4263.

J. A. Hiscox and D. J. Thomas, 1995.  Genetic modification and selection of microorganisms for growth on Mars. Journal of the British Interplanetary Society, 48:419-426.

D. J. Thomas, 1995.  Biological aspects of the ecopoeisis and terraformation of Mars: current perspectives and research.  Journal of the British Interplanetary Society, 48:415-418.

D. J. Thomas, 1994/1995.  An Introduction to the Microbiology Laboratory, 1st/2nd Editions.  Belleville Area College, IL.

D. J. Thomas, 1993.  Sedimentation Characteristics of Giardia intestinalis Cysts—Relevance to Standard Methods of Detection.  M.S. thesis, Central Washington University, Ellensburg, WA.  42 numbered leaves.

D. J. Thomas and J. P. Schimel, 1991.  Mars after the Viking Missions: Is Life Still Possible?  Icarus, 91:199-206

D. J. Thomas, P. J. Boston, P. Todd, J. Boling, K. A. Campbell, R. G. Gregerson, A. Holt, III, T. McSpadden and L. McWilliams, accepted for publication.  Early results of ecopoesis experiments in the SHOT martian environment simulator. On to Mars 3, Univelt Publishers, San Diego.*

D. J. Thomas (editor), 2007.  16th Western Photosynthesis Conference, Program and Abstracts, Pacific Grove, CA.

D. J. Thomas (editor), 2006.  15th Western Photosynthesis Conference, Program and Abstracts, Pacific Grove, CA.

D. J. Thomas (editor), 2005.  14th Western Photosynthesis Conference, Program and Abstracts, Pacific Grove, CA.

D. J. Thomas (editor), 2004.  13th Western Photosynthesis Conference, Program and Abstracts, Pacific Grove, CA.

D. J. Thomas, 2003.  Review of Earth, Life and the Universe... Exploring Our Cosmic Anscestry by Keith Tritton.  Astrobiology, 3(3):645-646.

D. J. Thomas, 2003.  Review of The Search for Life in the Universe, Third Edition by Donald Goldsmith and Tobias Owen.  International Journal of Astrobiology, 2(1):75-76.

D. J. Thomas, 2000.  Formation of martian ecosystems. The Case for Mars VI, K. McMillen, ed., Univelt Publishers, San Diego.

D. J. Thomas, 1999.  Deep microbes (book review).  Ecology, 80(6):2131-2132.

D. J. Thomas, 1999.  An Introduction to the Microbiology Laboratory, 3rd Edition.  Lyon College, Batesville, AR.

D. J. Thomas, 1999.  Raw terror: E. coli bacteria (video review).  ASM News,65(6):442.

J. A. Hiscox and D. J. Thomas, 1997.  Genetic Modification and Selection of Microorganisms for Growth on Mars.  In From Imagination to Reality: Mars Exploration Studies from the Journal of the British Interplanetary Society, Part II, R. M. Zubrin, ed., Univelt Publishers, San Diego.

D. J. Thomas, 1997.  Biological Aspects of the Ecopoeisis and Terraformation of Mars: Current Perspectives and Research.  In From Imagination to Reality: Mars Exploration Studies from the Journal of the British Interplanetary Society, Part II, R. M. Zubrin, ed., Univelt Publishers, San Diego.

D. J. Thomas, 1994/1995.  An Introduction to the Microbiology Laboratory, 1st/2nd Editions.  Belleville Area College, IL.

A. T. Amlung, W. Ptasnik, M. Braasch, R. Melinder, E. Mueller, J. Ross, D. Thomas, L. Welch, L. Wiemerslage and F. G. Wilson, 1994.  Biology Analysis and Concepts.  Belleville Area College, IL.

N. McCarthy, K. M. Crowell and D. J. Thomas, The effects of exogenous hydrogen peroxide on cyanobacterial antioxidant mutants under ambient and primordial conditions (poster presentation).  Arkansas INBRE Research Day, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 26 July 2007.  (Also presented at the ASGSB Meeting, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 25-28 October 2007; and at the Arkansas INBRE Undergraduate Research Conference, Fayetteville, AR, 9-10 November 2007.)

C. Chan and David J. Thomas, Directed selection for CO₂-tolerant cyanobacteria (poster presentation).  16th Western Photosynthesis Conference, Pacific Grove, CA, 4-7 January 2007.

L. M. Eubanks, J. Boling, K. M. Crowell, T. McSpadden, C. Rector, C. L. Schuchardt, C. J. Spurlock, J. Warrington and D. J. Thomas, Testing the oxygen paradox with antioxidant-deficient cyanobacteria (poster presentation).  Arkansas INBRE Undergraduate Research Conference, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, 4-5 November 2006.  (Also presented at the 16th Western Photosynthesis Conference, Pacific Grove, CA, 4-7 January 2007).

D. Parish, M. Eubanks, L. Rothschild and D. J. Thomas, The roles of antioxidant enzymes in ultraviolet radiation damage resistance (poster presentation).  Arkansas INBRE Undergraduate Research Conference, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, 4-5 November 2006.  (Also presented at the 16th Western Photosynthesis Conference, Pacific Grove, CA, 4-7 January 2007).

J. Warrington, C. Rector, P. Todd and D. J. Thomas, Effects of atmospheric pressure on the survival of photosynthetic microorganisms during simulations of ecopoesis (poster presentation).  Arkansas INBRE Undergraduate Research Conference, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, 4-5 November 2006.  (Also presented at the 16th Western Photosynthesis Conference, Pacific Grove, CA, 4-7 January 2007).

C. Rector, P. Todd, P. J. Boston, J. Boling, K. A. Campbell, T. McSpadden, L. McWilliams, J. Warrington and D. J. Thomas.  Current results of ecopoeisis experiments in the SHOT martian environment simulator (poster and oral presentations).  90th Meeting of the Arkansas Academy of Sciences, Lyon College, Batesville, AR, 7-8 April 2006.  Also presented at the Arkansas Space Grant Consortium Symposium, Arkansas Tech University, Russellville, AR, 21 April 2006.

P. Todd, N. A. Thomas, M. A. Kurk, G. W. Metz, D. J. Thomas and P. J. Boston.  A versatile testbed planetary simulator for biological and mineralogical research (poster presentation).  Astrobiology Science Conference, Washington, DC, 28-30 March 2006.

C. Rector, P. Todd, P. J. Boston, J. Boling, K. A. Campbell, T. McSpadden, L. McWilliams and D. J Thomas.  Early results of ecopoesis experiments in the SHOT martian environment simulator (poster presentation).  15th Western Photosynthesis Conference, Pacific Grove, CA, 5-8 January 2006.  Also presented at the INBRE Undergraduate Research Conference, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, 24 February 2006; Astrobiology Science Conference, Washington, DC, 28-30 March 2006.

D. J. Thomas, J. Boling, T. McSpadden, C. Rector, C. L. Schuchardt and C. J. Spurlock.  Testing the oxygen paradox with antioxidant-deficient cyanobacteria (poster presentation).  15th Western Photosynthesis Conference, Pacific Grove, CA, 5-8 January 2006.    Also presented at the INBRE Undergraduate Research Conference, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, 24 February 2006; 90th Meeting of the Arkansas Academy of Science, Lyon College, Batesville, AR 7-8 April 2006; Arkansas Space Grant Consortium Symposium, Arkansas Tech University, Russellville, AR, 21 April 2006.

D. J. Thomas.  Cyanobacteria: from Earth’s past to Mars’ future (invited seminar), Biology seminar series, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, 1 December 2005.

D. J. Thomas, J. Boling, P. J. Boston, K. A. Campbell, T. McSpadden, L. McWilliams, and P. Todd.  Extremophiles for ecopoeisis: desirable traits for and survivability of pioneer martian microorganisms (invited plenary oral presentation).  American Society for Gravitational and Space Biology, Reno, NV, 1-4 November 2005.

D. J. Thomas, P. W. Todd, P. J. Boston, J. Boling, T. McSpadden and L. McWilliams.  Early results of ecopoesis experiments in the SHOT martian environment simulator (oral presentation), Mars Society Convention, Boulder, CO, 11-14 August 2005.

D. J. Thomas, C. L. Schuchardt, and C. J. Spurlock.  Testing the oxygen paradox with antioxidant-deficient cyanobacteria (poster presentation), Earth Systems Processes 2, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, 8-11 August 2005.

D. J. Thomas.  Simulating martian biology in the laboratory (oral presentation), Arkansas Space Grant Symposium, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, 15 April 2005.

D. J. Thomas and G. Ross.  Soda bottle Winogradsky columns as astrobiology experiments in elementary school through college (poster presentation), Annual Meeting of the Arkansas Academy of Science, Hendrix College, Conway, AR, 8 April 2005.

C. J. Spurlock, C. L. Schuchardt, S. M. Zimmerman, C. P. McKay, and David J. Thomas.  Nitrate-reducing bacteria from Chile's Atacama Desert: a potential martian analog (poster and oral presentations), Annual Meeting of the Arkansas Academy of Science, Hendrix College, Conway, AR, 8 April 2005.  Also presented at the Arkansas Space Grant Symposium, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, 15 April 2005.

C. J. Spurlock, C. L. Schuchardt, S. M. Zimmerman, and D. J. Thomas.  Adaptation of cyanobacterial photosynthetic electron transport systems to high-CO₂ atmospheres (poster presentation), 14th Western Photosynthesis Conference, Pacific Grove, CA, 6-9 January 2005.

C. L. Schuchardt, C. J. Spurlock, and D. J. Thomas.  Testing the oxygen paradox with antioxidant-deficient cyanobacteria (poster and oral presentations), 14th Western Photosynthesis Conference, Pacific Grove, CA, 6-9 January 2005.  Also presented at the Arkansas Space Grant Symposium, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, 15 April 2005.

D. J. Thomas.  Cyanobacterial survival and growth in primordial atmospheres (plenary session speaker and chair), 14th Western Photosynthesis Conference, Pacific Grove, CA, 6-9 January 2005.

D. J. Thomas.  Cyanobacteria: from Earth's past to Mars' future (invited seminar speaker), Bioscience Seminar Series, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, 27 September 2004.

D. J. Thomas.  An undergraduate astrobiology curriculum for Lyon College (poster presentation).  Arkansas Space Grant Consortium Symposium, Batesville, AR, April 2004.

S. M. Zimmerman and D. J. Thomas (oral presentation).  Effects of very high CO₂ atmospheres on photosystems I and II of common cyanobacteria.  Arkansas Space Grant Consortium Symposium, Batesville, AR, April 2004.

D. J. Thomas.  Cyanobacteria: photosynthesis on Mars (invited seminar), Extremophiles for Ecopoesis Workshop, Albuquerque, NM, January 2004.

D. J. Thomas and G. Ross (poster presentation).  Soda bottle Winogradsky columns as astrobiology experiments in high school and college.  Annual Meeting of the American Society for Gravitational and Space Biology, Huntsville, AL, USA, November 2003.

C. J. Spurlock, S. M. Zimmerman and D. J. Thomas (poster presentation).  Nitrate-reducing bacteria from Chile's Atacama Desert (a potential martian analog).  Annual Meeting of the American Society for Gravitational and Space Biology, Huntsville, AL, USA, November 2003.

S. M. Zimmerman, S. L. Sullivan and D. J. Thomas (oral presentation and poster presentations).  Effects of very high CO₂ atmospheres on cyanobacterial photosystem activity.  Sixth International Mars Society Conference, Eugene, OR, USA, August 2003 (also presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Society for Gravitational and Space Biology, Huntsville, AL, USA, November 2003; and at the 13th Western Photosynthesis Conference, Pacific Grove, CA, USA, January 2004; and at the 12th Arkansas Space Grant Symposium, Batesville, AR, USA, April 2004).

S. L. Sullivan, S. M. Zimmerman and D. J. Thomas.  Effects of very high CO₂ atmospheres on cyanobacterial photosystem II activity.  Arkansas Space Grant Consortium Symposium, Conway, AR, USA, April 2003.

D. J. Thomas, S. L. Sullivan and S. M. Zimmerman.  Effects of very high CO₂ atmospheres on the cyanobacterial photosynthetic apparatus (poster presentation).  Annual Meeting of the American Society for Gravitational and Space Biology, Cape Canaveral, FL, USA, November 2002 (also presented at the 12th Western Photosynthesis Conference, Pacific Grove, CA, USA, January 2003).

D. J. Thomas.  Cyanobacteria: Earth's past... Mars' future? (seminar).  NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, USA, August 2002.

D. J. Thomas.  Living on Mars (seminar).  NASA Spaceflight and Life Sciences Training Program, Kennedy Space Center, FL, USA, July 2002.

A. L. Price, J. L. Liles and D. J. Thomas.  Superoxide dismutase activity in antarctic and temperate strains of Chroococcidiopsis (poster presentation).  Annual meeting of the American Society for Gravitational and Space Biology, Alexandria, VA, USA, November 2001 (also presented at the Arkansas Undergraduate Research Conference, Arkadelphia, AR, USA, April 2002; and at the Arkansas Space Grant Symposium, Jonesboro, AR, USA, April 2002).

D. J. Thomas, J. L. Liles, A. L. Price and S. L. Sullivan, 2001.  Cyanobacterial growth under anoxic and carboxic conditions.  University of Washington Astrobiology Conference, Crystal Mountain, WA, USA.

D. J. Thomas, 2001.  Artificial ecosystems: from test-tubes to terraformation.  Space Life Sciences Training Program, Kennedy Space Center, FL, USA.

S. L. Sullivan, A. L. Price, and D. J. Thomas, 2001.  Cyanobacterial growth in a simulated martian atmosphere.  Tenth Western Photosynthesis Conference, Pacific Grove, CA, USA.  (Also presented at the Arkansas Space Grant Consortium meeting, Harding University, Searcy, AR, USA).

D. J. Thomas and S. K. Herbert, 2000.  An inexpensive apparatus for growing cyanobacteria and other photosynthetic microorganisms.  Annual meeting of the South Central Branch of the American Society for Microbiology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA.  (Also presented at the Tenth Western Photosynthesis Conference, Pacific Grove, CA, USA.)

A. L. Price, S. L. Sullivan and D. J. Thomas, 2000.  Cyanobacterial growth in high CO₂ atmospheres (abstract).  “Plant Science 2000” meeting of the American Society of Plant Physiologists, San Diego, CA.  (An updated version of this presentation was presented at the annual meeting of the South Central branch meeting of the American Society for Microbiology, Little Rock, AR, USA.)

D. J. Thomas, 2000.  Cyanobacteria in space exploration (seminar).  NASA Kennedy Space Center, FL, USA.

D. J. Thomas and S. K. Herbert, 2000.  Cyclic photophosphorylation mutants of Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 do not have increased susceptibility to photoinhibition of photosystem II (abstract).  Ninth Western Photosynthesis Conference, Pacific Grove, CA, USA.  (Also presented at the “Plant Science 2000” meeting of the American Society of Plant Physiologists, San Diego, CA, USA.)

D. J. Thomas and S. K. Herbert, 1999.  Cyclic photosynthetic electron transport in psaE and ndhB mutants of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803—evidence for at least two pathways.  Eighth Western Photosynthesis Conference, Pacific Grove, CA, USA.

D. J. Thomas, P. A. Currier, J. Ascher, R. Bashyal, J. Ferrell, A. Fitch, C. Gunn, R. Hall, S. Hart, A. Honoré, J. MacIntyre, J. Rogers, M. Soliman, R. Vilhauer and D. Young, 1998.  NASA space life sciences training program: studies and projects performed by the flight emphasis group (abstract and poster presentation).  American Society for Gravitational and Space Biology Annual Meeting, Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, USA.

P. Currier, A. Fitch, C. Gunn, R. Hall, S. Hart, J. MacIntire, M. Soliman, and D. Thomas, 1998.  NASA space life sciences training program:  experiencing project management, science, engineering, and integration of a K-12 experiment (abstract). American Society for Gravitational and Space Biology Annual Meeting, Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, USA.

J. R. Ascher, O. Van den Ende and D. J. Thomas, 1998.  The Design and function of a closed marine ecosystem for space flight (abstract). American Society for Gravitational and Space Biology Annual Meeting, Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, USA.

R. K. Bashyal, D. Woodard and D. J. Thomas, 1998.  The effectiveness of three pharmaceutical countermeasures in preventing vestibular disorientation while maintaining cognitive ability (abstract). American Society for Gravitational and Space Biology Annual Meeting, Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, USA.

R. D. Hall, P.A. Currier and D. J. Thomas, 1998.  Algal and cyanobacterial growth in 100% CO₂ (abstract). American Society for Gravitational and Space Biology Annual Meeting, Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, USA.

D. J. Thomas and S. K. Herbert, 1998.  Physiological roles of superoxide dismutases in the cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. strain PCC7942 (seminar). NASA Space Life Sciences Training Program, Kennedy Space Center, FL, USA.

D. J. Thomas, T. Avenson, J. Thomas and S. K. Herbert, 1998.  A cyanobacterium lacking iron superoxide dismutase is sensitive to oxidative stress induced with methyl viologen but resistant to oxidative stress induced with norflurazon (oral and poster presentations). Seventh Western Photosynthesis Conference, Pacific Grove, CA, USA.

D. J. Thomas, T. Avenson, J. Thomas and S. K. Herbert, 1997.  Superoxide dismutase functions in the cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. strain PCC7942 (poster presentation). “Plant Science 1997” joint meeting of the American Society of Plant Physiologists and Canadian Society of Plant Physiologists, Vancouver, BC, Canada.

D. J. Thomas and S. K. Herbert, 1996.  HPLC/EC detection of oxygen radical damage to DNA in Synechococcus sp. PCC 7942 (oral presentation). Idaho Academy of Science annual meeting, Moscow, ID, USA.  (Also presented at the Pacfic Northwest Branch, American Society for Microbiology annual meeting, Newport, OR, USA.)

D. J. Thomas, 1996.  Formation of martian ecosystems (abstract and oral presentation).  Case for Mars VI, Boulder, CO, USA.

D. J. Thomas, 1993.  Sedimentation characteristics of Giardia lamblia cysts and their relevance to standard methods for detection of Giardia in water (oral presentation). Northwest Scientific Association annual meeting, La Grande, OR, USA.

D. J. Thomas and J. S. Schimel, 1992.  Mars after Viking: possibilities for life (oral presentation). Northwest Scientific Association annual meeting, Bellingham, WA, USA.