Terryn Hardy

Staff Writer

Idaho State University has hired Michael Thomas as the new chair of the biological sciences department. Thomas, who is originally from Lincoln, Nebraska, attended the University of Nebraska, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Biology. After graduating from the University of Nebraska in 1991, he attended graduate school at Kansas State University, where he received his master’s degree in Biology. He then continued his education at Penn State University and graduated in 2000 with a doctorate in Entomology.

From 2000 to 2003, Thomas was a postdoctoral fellow for the Rat Genome Project at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. Thomas joined the ISU staff in 2003 and has been here ever since.

Before taking this position at ISU, Thomas served as director of the Molecular Core Research Facility for three years. He was also the biological science director for graduate programs for three years. Thomas additionally served as director of a major National Institute for Health funded research-training program called Idea Network of Biomedical Research Excellence.

Thomas’ research interests mainly revolve around genomes and their evolutionary history.

He applies these theories in understanding evolution of alternative splicing to assessing the human health consequences of pharmaceuticals and nanomaterials in environmental systems. Thomas has co-authored multiple papers about his research.

As the new chair of the biological sciences department Thomas has some new ideas for the growth and change within the department.

“The biological sciences department is embarking on an outreach and recruitment program that will better help us connect with the community and potential students,” he said.

He is also interested in hiring new faculty that will enhance those efforts. Thomas added that there are plans for remodeling the biology building over the next five years. This will enhance the research and teaching abilities available for students and faculty.