Thomas Park

Thomas Park is a Professor and Associate Department Head in Biological Sciences at UIC. His research examines extreme physiological adaptations in non-traditional models like naked mole-rats and bats, focusing on hypoxia tolerance, neurobiology, and sensory evolution.

Education includes a PhD and MS from University of Maryland and a BA from Johns Hopkins. Key discoveries include fructose-based anaerobic metabolism in mole-rats and pain insensitivity mechanisms.

Publications reveal insights into metabolic innovation and neuroprotection. Research informs biomedical applications for stroke and oxygen deprivation.

Laboratory collaborations span biophysics and evolutionary biology. Dr. Park mentors students in integrative animal physiology.