Andrew W. Thompson

Dr. Andrew W. Thompson is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Western Michigan University. His research focuses on genomic evolution and adaptation in extreme environments, particularly in killifishes. He integrates comparative genomics, chromatin dynamics, and functional genomic tools to study vertebrate evolution, emphasizing the links between environment, evolution, and development.

Education:

• Postdoctoral Research Associate, Michigan State University (2016–2022)
• Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, The George Washington University (2010–2016)
• B.S. in Biology with a Minor in Chemistry, Clarion University of Pennsylvania (2006–2009)

Research Interests:

• Comparative and Functional Genomics
• Adaptation to Extreme Environments
• Evolution of Fishes
• Eco-Evo-Devo Framework
• Annual Killifish Models

His lab investigates the evolution of suspended animation, environmentally-cued hatching, and sex determination in killifishes, using the Rio Pearlfish as a model for studying convergent evolution in extreme environments. The lab’s work bridges genomics, developmental biology, and ecology to address fundamental questions in evolutionary biology.

Labs/Teams: Thompson Lab, specializing in killifish genomics and extreme environment adaptations.