James Thomka

Dr. James Thomka is an Assistant Professor of Geology at the Center for Earth & Environmental Science, School of Arts & Sciences, Plattsburgh State University of New York. His research focuses on paleontology and stratigraphy, emphasizing interactions between ancient organisms and their environments. Key areas include fossil preservation, paleoecology, sedimentology, and climatic-oceanographic systems.

Education:

• Ph.D. (2015), University of Cincinnati: Dissertation on Middle Silurian stratigraphy and biotic events.
• M.S. (2010), Auburn University: Thesis on crinoid taphonomy in Pennsylvanian formations.
• B.S. (2008), University of Tennessee–Martin: Dual theses on siderite concretions and Cambrian stromatolites.

Research Interests:

• Preservation of fossil echinoderms and their paleoenvironmental implications.
• Parasite-host dynamics and predator-prey interactions in the fossil record.
• Trace fossils as tools for sedimentological and paleoenvironmental analysis.
• Marine authigenesis (e.g., concretions, hardgrounds) and their geochemical significance.
• Climatic instability during the Late Ordovician to Middle Silurian periods.

Advising & Engagement: Actively supervises undergraduate research in paleontology and sedimentary geology, including Honors College theses. Encourages student involvement in field and lab-based projects.

Labs/Teams: Affiliated with the Center for Earth & Environmental Science, fostering collaborative research in geology and environmental science.