Thomas Werner

Dr. Thomas Werner is a Professor of Genetics and Developmental Biology at Michigan Technological University's College of Sciences and Arts. He holds a PhD from Umeå University (2005) and has conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His research focuses on evolutionary developmental biology (evo-devo), particularly the genetic mechanisms underlying animal color patterns in Drosophila and mushroom toxin resistance. He has published in prestigious journals like Nature, Science, and Cell, and received over $900,000 in grants from NSF and NIH. He was awarded the Michigan Distinguished Professor of the Year (2021) and twice named Michigan Tech's Distinguished Teacher.

• Education: PhD in Genetics, Umeå University, Sweden (2005)
• Affiliations: Faculty in Biological Sciences; Director of the Werner Lab
• Research Projects: Color pattern evolution, alpha-amanitin resistance in Drosophila, and open-access Drosophilid encyclopedias

Dr. Werner has mentored 107 undergraduate and 7 graduate students, including Tessa Steenwinkel, who achieved multiple research awards. His lab develops transgenic models and fluorescent probes for studying developmental pathways linked to cancer biology. He is also a founder of the Encyclopedia of North American Drosophilids, with volumes covering Midwest/Northeast, Southeast, and upcoming Northwest/Southwest regions.

His recent articles explore fluorescent probe technologies and Drosophila genetic mechanisms. Awards include grants from NIH/NIGMS and NSF, as well as teaching accolades for courses in Genetics, Immunology, and Developmental Biology.