Thomas Loch

Thomas Loch is an Associate Professor at Michigan State University (MSU) with a joint appointment between the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife (College of Agriculture and Natural Resources) and the Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation (College of Veterinary Medicine). His role is partially funded by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) through the Partnership for Ecosystem Research and Management (PERM) Program.

Education

• Ph.D. in Veterinary Pathology/Microbiology, MSU (2012)
• M.S. in Veterinary Pathology, MSU (2007)
• B.S. in Zoology, MSU (2002)

Dr. Loch focuses on aquatic animal health, particularly the pathogenesis, ecology, and epidemiology of infectious diseases in fish. His work supports fishery management agencies and aquaculture operations in the Great Lakes Basin through diagnostics, research, and outreach. He also emphasizes training professionals and students across veterinary, undergraduate, and graduate programs.

Key contributions include the 2021 publication "Improving the health of Michigan’s fishes" and leadership in the Aquatic Animal Health Laboratory. Courses taught: Principles of Fish and Wildlife Diseases (FW 423/L) and Aquatic Animal Medicine Clerkship (PDI 636).