Lab Manager / Research Technician
John W. Thomason
John is a Mississippi native born and raised in Vicksburg.
He went into the work force after high school as a
deckhand on the Motor Vessel Dredge Jadwin for the U.S.
Army Corps. of Engineers. Later he began to pursue a
career in the ecological sciences. He received his B.S. in
forestry with a concentration in wildlife management from
Mississippi State University graduating magna cum laude in
spring of 2014. His research under the guidance of Dr.
Riggins is focused on the early colonization process
(dispersal & host selection) of the southern pine
beetle (Dendroctonus frontalis). He has recently taken
over the reigns as lab manager, and assists with all
aspects of research ongoing in the lab. In his spare time,
John enjoys hunting, fishing, camping, and working with
the youth of his church.