BLaST Scientist of the Month: Tony Thompson
March 9, 2021
Anthony "Tony" Thompson, a second-year BLaST Scholar and a UAF senior, has been named the BLaST Scientist of the Month for March. Thompson will graduate in May 2021 with a B.S. in biological sciences with a concentration in ecology and evolution.
BLaST — the Biomedical Learning and Student Training program — recognizes affiliated students, staff, faculty and graduate students who contribute to the success and interest in biomedical sciences.
A first-generation student originally from Macon, Georgia, Thompson spent five years in Port Angeles, Washington, before arriving in Fairbanks. After graduation, they plan to apply to graduate school and continue their studies. They love outdoor activities such as hiking, camping and biking, and enjoys reading for fun.
Thompson is currently mentored by Andrés Lopez, a past BLaST faculty pilot project awardee as well as associate professor of fisheries and ocean sciences and curator of fishes and marine invertebrates at the University of Alaska Museum. Thompson’s current research project involves the study of DNA (eDNA) and fish ecology, developing an eDNA assay that can detect and quantify Arctic lamprey, Lethenteron camtschaticum, in freshwater aquatic systems. Their research interests include a focus in wildlife disease and the potential impacts that climate change has on the spread of disease. They will present their research at the Alaska Chapter of the American Fisheries Society annual conference and at the One Health, One Future 2021 conference this spring.
Thompson’s previous field work includes an internship at the Coastal Watershed Institute in Washington, a nonprofit group that fosters community and college student education. The group focuses on “wise natural resource management, linking senior scientists, managers, and citizens to motivate for the best, not just the easiest, management actions and solutions.” They offer opportunities in scientific studies relative to their region, a purpose that embodies One Health. Thompson shared, “My two years at CWI has been invaluable to me as an educational and professional experience. It has ignited my passion for understanding nearshore wildlife biology.“
Thompson attended both the 2018 and 2019 Sitka Whalefest and credits the necropsy workshop of a juvenile elephant seal as increasing a love for biology.
“Having never assisted in a necropsy before, I was extremely intrigued and curious to learn more," they said. "We were shown useful tools and field methods for data collection when working with live specimens which is a vital skill for me to further develop as I continue my education in wildlife biology.”
At BLaST, Thompson’s earlier research included working under Cristina Hansen, a previous BLaST postdoc, in the Department of Veterinary Medicine. Their project, “PCR surveillance for Leptospira in red-backed vole kidneys in Fairbanks, Alaska,” was an opportunity to collaborate with other organizations at UAF.
“I jumped at this research opportunity after meeting with Dr. Hansen," they said. "I was able to apply for a loan request with the University of Alaska Museum for access to study kidney samples from their collection. I learned how the collection is organized, but more importantly, how to extract DNA from the samples in preparation for polymerase chain reaction and sequencing.”
Thompson has also been mentored by BLaST research advisor and mentoring professional Lori Gildehaus, whose support and advising has been pivotal in their professional and academic success.
For more information, email Amy Topkok at aktopkok@alaska.edu.