Thomas Wilson is a Visiting Lecturer in Biological Anthropology whose research explores primate evolution, genetics, behavior, and conservation. He earned his Ph.D. in Anthropology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and his M.A. in Anthropology from East Carolina University.
His research integrates molecular genetics and evolutionary biology to investigate phenotypic diversity in primates, particularly the evolution and genetic basis of sexually dichromatic hair coloration in lemurs. His broader interests include primate genetics, behavioral ecology, biodiversity conservation, predator–prey and community ecology, and human–primate interactions.
Dr. Wilson's teaching interests include genetics, primate behavior and conservation, human evolution and variation, evolutionary medicine, and biological anthropology. He is also committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within anthropology. During his doctoral training, he served for six years as the graduate student representative on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee for UMass Amherst's College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. His scholarship has also addressed diversity and representation within biological anthropology, including his 2023 American Journal of Biological Anthropology article, “Sincerely, a Black Primatologist.
Outside of anthropology, two of my biggest loves are animals and live music. I have 12 pets and I try to make it to at least 10 concerts every year!