Friedrich Thomas is a Professor at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, affiliated with the School of Medicine and Public Health and the Department of Pathobiological Sciences. He leads a dynamic research lab focused on RNA virus evolution, pathogenesis, and transmission, with major projects on SARS-CoV-2, influenza, Zika, and dengue viruses. His lab is based at the AIDS Vaccine Research Laboratory in the UW Research Park and maintains a strong affiliation with the Wisconsin National Primate Research Center (WNPRC), where he also directs the Virology Services Unit. His research interests lie at the intersection of viral evolution, host immunity, and pandemic emergence. He investigates how RNA viruses overcome evolutionary barriers to infect new hosts, evade immune responses, and cause disease. Key areas include transmission bottlenecks in influenza, persistent SARS-CoV-2 infections as sources of variants, and cross-reactive immunity between dengue and Zika viruses. His lab employs cutting-edge techniques such as deep sequencing, barcoded virus libraries, and nonhuman primate models to study viral dynamics within and between hosts. The 15 most recent articles reflect a strong trend in genomic surveillance, viral evolution, and host-pathogen interactions, particularly in the context of recent pandemics. Research spans from molecular mechanisms of viral adaptation to broader public health implications, including social determinants of health and open science practices. The work is highly collaborative, involving institutions across Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania. Laurie Garrett. The Coming Plague Carl Sagan. Cosmos James Burke. The Day the Universe Changed Anthony Bourdain. Kitchen Confidential David France. How to Survive a Plague Thomas is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of scientists. He trains graduate students primarily through the Microbiology Doctoral Training Program and the Cellular and Molecular Biology program, and actively mentors postdocs, MD-PhD students like Katarina Braun, and undergraduates. His lab emphasizes mentorship, intellectual growth, and career development, supporting students aiming for careers in medicine, research, and industry. He advocates for diversity and inclusion in science and has hosted virtual internships for underrepresented students. Although no specific grants are listed, his high-impact research suggests active funding from NIH or similar agencies. The lab operates with a strong ethos of open science, sharing data and protocols via GitHub and LabKey. It fosters a collaborative, inclusive environment grounded in values of integrity, curiosity, and scientific rigor. The lab’s physical location at 585 Science Dr provides access to state-of-the-art virology and genomics facilities, supporting large-scale sequencing and experimental work.
