Patrick Thomas Email & Phone Number

Bozeman, MT, US

Dübendorf, Zurich, Switzerland

Conducting both fundamental and applied research at the intersection of algal chemical ecology, biodiversity, and ecosystem functioning; testing novel hypotheses using experiments and exometabolomics approaches; aiming to provide insights into sustainable mass cultivation of microalgae for bioproducts.

Wilhelmshaven, Lower Saxony, Germany

Studied relationships between marine diatom strain diversity, species diversity, functional trait diversity, microbial community diversity & composition, and ecosystem functioning; tested hypotheses using experimental and meta-analytic approaches; contributed to several international collaborations resulting in publications.

Ann Arbor, MI

Tested effects of allelopathy due to extracellular free fatty acids on growth of green algae, found high variation in sensitivity to allelopathy as well as variation in free fatty acid concentrations in the medium

Boise, Idaho

Investigated the complex interactions of algal polyculture systems with the goal of using ecological principles to increase the productivity and stability of cultures grown in dairy wastewater; identified functional traits leading to increased grazing resistance in algal polycultures, thereby providing a potential low cost pond crash prevention strategy.

Coos Bay, OR

Identified and quantified marine fish caught in recreational fisheries, acted as liaison between ODFW and local fishermen.

Corvallis, Oregon

Conducted Coho habitat surveys to assess effectiveness of ecological restoration projects in streams at various sites in Western Oregon, navigated through forest roads to remote locations using GPS and topographic maps.

Assisted with the collection and preservation of mesopelagic fish and invertebrates in the California Current Ecosystem via Oozeki trawl net, helped operate MOCNESS and Bongo nets for mesozooplankton collection.

Menlo Park, CA

Worked seasonally with a team of biologists to map and remove invasive barb goatgrass (A. triuncialis) in sensitive serpentine grassland habitat in order to maintain ecosystem health and stabilize habitat for the federally threatened Bay Checkerspot Butterfly.

Independently monitored catch and bycatch in Alaskan commercial fisheries, sampled for species composition, collected biological samples, monitored for interactions with marine endangered species, and reported data to the National Marine Fisheries Service.

Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica

Applied PIT and metal tags to nesting Olive Ridley and Pacific Green sea turtles, helped establish data collection protocol, supervised volunteers on nightly patrols, performed health assessments for nesting turtles, entered and proofread data.

UC Santa Cruz

Collaborated with students and faculty to organize a campaign for campus sustainability and alternative energy ballot measures, spoke in front of many large lecture courses to engage students in these measures.

For Bill Henry, Ph.D., Croll Lab: Quantified plastic waste and natural food items in the diets of Laysan and Black-footed albatross, processed data regarding albatross migration, performed corvid population surveys in relation to Marbled Murrelet predation, collected and prepared samples for stable isotope analysis.

Santa Cruz, CA

Coordinated with National Geographic nature and conservation photographer Frans Lanting and his staff in the maintenance and organization of his photography gallery.

Doctor Of Philosophy - Phd, Ecology

Master'S Degree, Biology, 4.0

Bachelor Of Science (Bs), Biology, General, 3.91