Michael L. Thomas

Michael L. Thomas is the Richard R. Brettell Distinguished University Chair, Director of the Edith O'Donnell Institute of Art History, Associate Provost, and Professor of Arts, Humanities, and Technology at UT Dallas. He holds a Ph.D. in Art History from the University of Texas at Austin, an M.A. from Southern Methodist University, and a B.A. from Duke University.

His research focuses on Roman art and architecture, with specializations in Pompeii, Etruscan archaeology, and digital reconstructions of ancient sites. Fieldwork includes 25+ years directing excavations in Italy through the Oplontis Project and Mugello Valley Archaeological Project, where he pioneers digital documentation methods for cultural heritage preservation.

Publications span Roman numismatics, villa architecture, and wine trade economies, appearing in the Journal of Roman Archaeology and Memoirs of the American Academy in Rome. Current book projects document findings from Oplontis Villa excavations.