Dr. John Thomas sits in an office while wearing a white lab coat.
John
N.
Thomas
Associate Professor
Biology
College of Arts and Sciences
(773) 442-5744
Courses Taught
Introduction to Biology (BIO 100)
Changing Natural Environment (BIO104)
Essential Skills for Biologists (BIO 150)
General Biology I (BIO 201)
General Biology II (BIO 202)
Cell Biology (BIO 301)
General Genetics (BIO 303)
Evolution (BIO 310)
History of Science (BIO 311)
Microbiology (BIO 341)
Biochemistry (BIO 362)
Evolutionary Biology (BIO 413)
Conparative Biology of Aging (BIO 414)
Current Topics in Cell Biology (BIO 447)
Research Interests
Cell Biology and Aging
Education

Ph.D., Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming

M.D., Howard University College of Medicine

M.S., Biological Sciences, University of Illinois

B.S., Biology, Western Michigan University

Additional Information

My research interests have focused primarily on gerontology (the biology of aging). I have investigated the effects of several antioxidant molecules (including vitamin E, vitamin K, and melatonin) on lengthening clonal lifespan in Paramecium tetraurelia. While increased longevity due to antioxidant supplementation in Paramecium tetraurelia can be significant, it does not appear to change the trajectory of mortality rate increase (Type I aging) in this species, which is consistent with reports of the limited efficacy of antioxidant supplementation in other senescent species (including humans).

My scholarly interests are becoming more theoretical as I continue to learn about the complex interplay of various life-history strategies (Type I, Type II, and Type III aging patterns) with sexual or asexual reproduction, and with speciation processes by either Darwinian or non-Darwinian mechanisms. The great controversy between Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace over the possible role of natural selection in speciation events (Darwin arguing against post-zygotic barriers arising from selective processes, and Wallace arguing in favor of these same barriers arising due to natural selection) is still unresolved today, and seems to me to have some bearing on the question of life-history and reproductive strategies in various species.

BBH 340G
Northeastern Illinois University
5500 North Saint Louis Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
United States

(773) 442-5744
Office Hours
Please email j-thomas4@neiu.edu to arrange to meet or speak with Dr. Thomas.
Main Campus
Curriculum Vitae