PEYTON THOMAS
Understanding influences of environmental stressors on muscle physiology of fishes
I am a 4th year Biology and Marine Biology doctoral candidate at the University of North Carolina-Wilmington in Dr. Stephen Kinsey's lab. My work focuses on marine fish physiology under chronic exposure to elevated temperature stress and acute hypoxia stress. I received my BSc. in Environmental Science with a minor in Biochemistry from Baylor University. My undergraduate research focused on microplastic ingestion in Lagodon rhomboides (Pinfish), which furthered my love for the marine environment and environmental health. Throughout my academic career I have sought to understand both anthropogenic and natural influences on organisms.
Running and Environmental Advocacy
My running experiences have shaped who I am and how I view the surrounding environment. Anyone who pursues running experiences the outdoors, whether that be on the city streets or on a remote trail. The spaces we see shape how and why we run. When we see industrial chemical plants, streets littered with garbage, not a tree or shrub in sight, we don't see beauty. We don't see healthy living nor a safe space for running. Everyone deserves both of these entities, no matter your economic status, race, religion, gender or sexual identity. Runners of all forms should be welcome and should speak up for the environment around them because when our surroundings are healthy and prosperous, we are as well.
I hope to increase environmental awareness and advocacy in the running realm because we directly and indirectly shape and connect with the environment in a manner that dates back to our evolutionary prosperity as humans.