Brian Thomas

Professor, Physics & Astronomy, Washburn Univ. Teach physics, astro, astrobiology. I study how life on Earth is affected by radiation from space.

[Brian Thomas @DrBrianAstroBio]

Strong funding for science supports strong economic growth across the nation, increases innovation, and ensures military readiness to protect our nation. @RepLaTurner @JerryMoran @RogerMarshallMD, pass FY24 spending ASAP to keep science afloat.

[Brian Thomas @DrBrianAstroBio]

@sewistwrites Frankly that sounds like a pretty much ideal diet for that age. I'd be thrilled if my kids were doing that. 😅

[Brian Thomas @DrBrianAstroBio]

@AkAstronomy I reach out to every student who isn't keeping up, at least a couple of times. I automate some of that using LMS tools. I also only have around 60 students in any given semester, and maybe 25% need intensive attention.

[Brian Thomas @DrBrianAstroBio]

@AriHunter_ @NSF The NASA post-doc program employs a panel that reviews the reviews. We go through each proposal's reviews, check they are consistent with each other and the proposal content, and toss out either parts or whole reviews with problematic language or clear bias. NSF could do the same

[Brian Thomas @DrBrianAstroBio]

@RandyRoyPatric2 @AAS_Publishing Interesting! I've worked with paleontologists and biologists on several projects in the past, mainly focused on astrophysical radiation events causing an increase in surface UV exposure.

[Brian Thomas @DrBrianAstroBio]

Check out our new paper on threats to life on Earth (and elsewhere) from X-ray luminous supernovae!
https://t.co/OrUPSkZAB0 via @AAS_Publishing #supernova #astronomy #astrophysics #astrobiology

[Brian Thomas @DrBrianAstroBio]

Just out: https://t.co/QhrTAiL1qP
Press: https://t.co/d4UIhtZK7V
Thomas & Yelland paper: https://t.co/HFgpzlmnJK

[Brian Thomas @DrBrianAstroBio]

Good week for Physics & Astronomy @WashburnUniv - one paper I am a co-author on came out in Astrophysical Journal and is getting some press, and another paper by myself and WU physics alum Alex Yelland was just accepted for publication, also in ApJ

[Brian Thomas @DrBrianAstroBio]

@RandyRoyPatric2 I'm the opposite. There's no way I could spend time flipping through all the journals that are relevant, but every day I scan through hundreds of paper titles/highlights. Plus automatically recommended ones based on my filters. But not saying we should get rid of paper entirely!

[Brian Thomas @DrBrianAstroBio]

Press on our latest paper out in ApJ this week!
https://t.co/WoVFoGI4X7

[Brian Thomas @DrBrianAstroBio]

@AkAstronomy This is great, thanks - simple but comprehensive. One could add a section for publications if relevant for the student.

[Brian Thomas @DrBrianAstroBio]

@AkAstronomy I would find the CV example useful!

[Jeremy @HandwavingComic]

Chaos (Even when you see the success of others, they often have a similar box.)

[Brian Thomas @DrBrianAstroBio]

I got to help out with a Veritasium video and got a bit of screen time!
https://t.co/GLf9R5l2iQ #astrobiology #Astrophysics @WashburnUniv

[Brian Thomas @DrBrianAstroBio]

Short podcast featuring yours truly about gamma-ray bursts, including some of the work we've done @WashburnUniv #astrobiology #astrophysics
https://t.co/kQPtNKvGy8

[Brian Thomas @DrBrianAstroBio]

@AkAstronomy I also realized two other things: I don't have to implement every good idea and just good enough is sometimes the best approach. Plus ruthless (but strategic) no-saying.

[Brian Thomas @DrBrianAstroBio]

Check out our new paper! X-Ray Luminous Supernovae: Threats to Terrestrial Biospheres
https://t.co/bZSuivbxtJ
#astrobiology @WashburnUniv

[Brian Thomas @DrBrianAstroBio]

@AkAstronomy Just cancel class. No one will die if the class doesn't meet one day and most involved will be happier, and likely safer. Took me a while to realize that my classes really aren't so important that I can't cancel a day when I need to.

[Brian Thomas @DrBrianAstroBio]

#nobelsowhite #nobelsomale

[Brian Thomas @DrBrianAstroBio]

@AkAstronomy Yeah, I had 2 kids while at KU and money was not abundant. Travel reimbursement was the worst problem. And health insurance.