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• PhD Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Wolverhampton, 2001
• BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences (Cell and Molecular Biology), University of Wolverhampton, 1997

Career History

• 2021 Associate Professor in Cardiovascular Sciences, University Â鶹¾«Ñ¡
• 2018 Senior Lecturer in Cardiovascular Sciences, University Â鶹¾«Ñ¡  
• 2013 Lecturer in Cardiovascular Sciences, University Â鶹¾«Ñ¡
• 2008 BHF Research Fellow, University Â鶹¾«Ñ¡
• 2006 Postdoctoral Research Fellow with Professors Machesky and Watson, University Â鶹¾«Ñ¡
• 2002 Postdoctoral Research Fellow with Professor Noni Franklin-Tong, University Â鶹¾«Ñ¡
• 2000 Postdoctoral Research Fellow with Professor Jim Callow, University Â鶹¾«Ñ¡
• 2000 PhD student, School of Applied Science, University of Wolverhampton
• 1997 BSc (Hons), Biological Sciences, University of Wolverhampton

Dr Thomas makes a substantial contribution to teaching across the Medical School and contributes to the following programmes

• BSc Biomedical Science Yr1-3
• MBChB Yr2
• MPharm (Pharmacy) Yr1
• MRes Biomedical Research – Cardiovascular Sciences – Programme lead and module coordinator
• MSc Quantitative Bioimaging – Co-lead and module coordinator
• MSc Immunology and Immunotherapy Yr1

Current PhD Students

• Evie Garlick – ‘Using super resolution microscopy to investigate the role of actin in adenosine receptor organisation’. (COMPARE funded - writing up)
• Tom O’Sullivan – ‘An investigation into invaginated membrane system development, dynamics and actin regulation throughout megakaryopoiesis’ (MRC funded - writing up)
• Helena Brown – ‘The role of platelet receptors in inflammatory bleeding’ (EU ITN funded – writing up)
• Syeeda Kabir – ‘Investigating regulatory pathways for intracellular Na+ in the atria’ (BHF funded – in 3^rd year)

Current Postdoctoral research fellows

• Dr Emma Faulkner – ‘3D visualisation of single platelets within platelet aggregates using expansion microscopy’ – (BHF funded)

Alumni PhD Students

• Amy Davies
• Hannah Schachtner
• Chris Stepanek
• Naomi Waterman
• Alex Hardy
• Abdullah Khan
• Emma Faulkner
• Sam Kemble
• Joanne Clarke

Alumni Postdoctoral research fellows

• Dr Natalie Poulter
• Dr Lucia Cardo
• Dr Victoria Simms

·      Dr Thomas is interested in supervising self-funded PhD students in the following areas

• Super-resolution microscopy
• Light sheet microscopy
• Platelet and megakaryocyte formation and function
• Actin and tubulin cytoskeleton

Dr Thomas’s research is focused around the role of the cytoskeleton in the formation and function of platelets and megakaryocytes.

A major aim of his research has been to apply advanced fluorescence microscopy methods to the study of this cells. This includes super-resolution (dSTORM, SIM, SRRF and Expansion Microscopy) and light-sheet fluorescence microscopy (diSPIM). His current research is focusing on a number of areas incuding

• How the actin cytoskeleton is organised within single platelets in platelet aggregates and how this underlies proper thrombus formation and stability.
• How the actin cytoskeleton regulates the formation of the invaginated membrane system in maturing megakaryocytes, and the role this plays in proper platelet formation and release.
• The organisation of the cortical actin cytoskeleton at the plasma membrane and how this is involved in regulating receptor signalling (with a focus on Adenosine A2 receptors).

Dr Thomas is the academic lead for the MDS Tech Hub imaging facility. He is also the academic technical lead and member of the management board for the Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE) and the lead on high resolution imaging for the ICVS Imaging and Technology theme.

Dr Thomas is the chair of the Executive committee, a charity aimed at supporting research and education of platelet related disorders.

Dr Thomas is the vice-chair of the Life Science Committee aimed at supporting the use of microscopes in cell biology studies.

Dr Thomas organises the ICVS seminar series.