Beverly Thomas
Short Bio
Beverly Thomas is a PhD student in the Department of Biological Sciences at Auburn University whose research uses a One Health approach to understand how textile-derived micro(plastic)fibers and associated chemicals affect aquatic and human health. She has received the 2025 Biological Sciences Narendra Singh Research Award, taught a range of biology laboratories, and is deeply engaged in STEM outreach.
Education
PhD Biology College of Sciences and Mathematics, Auburn University Expected 2028
BS Genetics College of Sciences and Mathematics, Auburn University 2024
Professional Experience
Beverly serves as a Graduate Teaching Assistant in the Department of Biological Sciences. As a dedicated instructor and mentor, she has taught cell biology, microbial evolution and diversity, and introductory biology laboratories, and served as an instructor for the Summer Engineering Enrichment Program, where she developed lecture and lab curricula emphasizing student‑centered learning and real‑world applications of molecular biology.
Innovation
Beverly conducts her graduate research under the guidance of Dr. Priscila Falagan-Lotsch. Her work focuses on mechanistic nanotoxicology and applies a One Health approach to textile-derived microfibers and associated chemicals as emerging contaminants. By integrating molecular toxicology with advanced in vitro models, she aims to generate evidence that informs health‑protective public policy for humans and other animals.
She has presented this research as a poster at the Southeastern Society of Toxicology Meeting (2025) and as a platform talk at The 5th International Conference on Environmental Pollution, Restoration, and Management (2026). Beverly has been recognized with the BSGSA Narendra Singh Research Award (2025) and first place in a graduate‑level NIH grant proposal competition (2025).
Engagement
Beyond teaching and research, Beverly is deeply committed to outreach and science communication. She serves as President of Auburn University Resources for Outreach and Regional Advancement (AURORA) and is an active leader in K–12 and community science events with COSAM Outreach and the I-STEM Connectory, working to expand access to engaging, hands-on STEM experiences for students and families in the Auburn–Opelika area. Her outreach work includes leading microbiology and DNA extraction activities at COSAM Outreach programs such as Destination STEM, SPIRIT Day, EmpowHER, GUTS, Family STEM Day, and the ASEF STEM Expo, as well as organizing the Spring Into Science event, and judging the statewide Invention Convention for 5th-12th grade students.
