Aimée K. Thomas

Aimée K. Thomas is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Loyola University New Orleans, specializing in environmental education and invertebrate natural history. She holds a Ph.D. in Biology Education (2010) and M.S. in Environmental Biology (2001) from the University of Southern Mississippi.

Her research focuses on spider communities in tropical and urban environments, including studies in Belize, New Orleans City Park, and Jean Lafitte National Park. She leads NSF-funded projects like OUTSIDE, which integrates technology and outdoor learning for middle school students, and co-directs BioBlitz initiatives promoting community stewardship. Dr. Thomas serves on the Louisiana Master Naturalists Board and coordinates Loyola’s Tropical Ecology study abroad programs to Belize, Ecuador, and the Galápagos Islands.

She has secured over $780k in research funding and engaged over 10,000 students across formal/informal settings. Awards include multiple Bobet/Carter Fellowships for innovative teaching, the University Senate Teaching Award, and National Academies Education Fellowship. Courses taught include Environmental Resilience, Tropical Ecology, and Entomology.

Her outreach emphasizes bridging science and community through documentaries (e.g., Amazon Prime’s Our Corner of the Planet) and public speaking engagements. She actively collaborates with students on projects addressing urban ecology, invasive species impacts, and STEM education equity.

Lab activities prioritize hands-on research in spider/insect ecology and environmental education methodology. Dr. Thomas advocates for experiential learning as a tool to foster scientific literacy and environmental responsibility.