John E. Thomas, Scholar in Residence, Engineering Management Program
John joined the faculty in August with over 25 years of professional experience including wireless communications, software, semiconductors, defense radar, and consumer electronics industries. In 2017, he earned a PhD in Civil, Environmental, and Sustainable Engineering at Arizona State University. John is also co-founder and executive director of Resilience Engineering Institute, an organization dedicated to the dissemination of resilience knowledge, tools, and resources.
John’s research interests explore the boundaries of technology and social science to understand the dynamic relationships between human resilience, psychological development, and the resilience of coupled complex sociological, ecological, and technological systems. He is passionate about a resilient and sustainable life experience for ‘all’ people including current and future generations. Resilience of critical infrastructure essential to public health, safety, and well-being is a key focus of his work. John is especially interested in developing generative means and methods for cultivating and strengthening resilient qualities and capacities in human systems—people, working groups, and organizations—coupled with ecological and/or technological systems.
His new graduate course next spring on ‘resilience engineering and crisis leadership’ will explore a range of resilience topics and perspectives. John lives on a small farm east of Boulder. Writing, hiking, cycling, and gardening are some of his favorite hobbies. This summer he grew some very tall sunflowers.
What is your moto
Remember to breathe!
What is something that most people don’t know about you?
Once upon a time, I designed electronic implants, accessories, and props used on alien creatures in Star Trek The Next Generation TV series and the feature film: Star Trek-First Contact.
One thing you are willing to spend way too much on…
Wholesome, organic, healthy food.
What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Wise words from an undergraduate physics professor: “…son, try to think more with your mind and less with your mouth.â€
What do you most like to do to unwind?
Cycling and hiking are my go-to sports for stress relief.
What has been your favorite work or personal project?
Of all the many roles and responsibilities I’ve held over the years, teaching is by far my favorite and most rewarding.
