PEYTON THOMAS
Understanding influences of environmental stressors on the physiology of fishes
I am a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Colorado at Boulder in the Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research (INSTAAR) working with Drs. Cassandra Brooks and Keith Musselman on the Arctic Rivers Project. I received my Ph.D. in Biology and Marine Biology at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington in 2022 where I studied fish muscle physiology and potential adaptative responses under projected end-of-century temperature scenarios and extreme hypoxia. I received my BSc. in Environmental Science with a minor in Biochemistry from Baylor University where I 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.