Thomas Burley
About Thomas Burley
Thomas Burley is a Physical Scientist and Informatics Specialist at the U.S. Geological Survey, where he has worked since 2009. He holds multiple degrees from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and has experience in data management and software development for water quality and resource management.
Current Role at U.S. Geological Survey
Thomas Burley has been employed at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) as a Physical Scientist (Informatics Specialist) since 2009. In this role, he leads the execution of Federal and USGS data management and release policies, with a focus on open access and software release. He also acts as the Product Owner for the USGS National Water Dashboard, where he is responsible for setting the application vision and development priorities. Additionally, he co-leads the Water Mission Area Network Operations Management System (NOMS) project, serving as the Technical Advisory Group Chair.
Previous Experience at ESRI and ALCOA
Prior to his current position, Thomas Burley worked as a Student Assistant at ESRI for one month in 2004 in San Diego, California. He also held the position of Logistics Analyst at ALCOA for six months in 2003 in Knoxville, Tennessee. These roles contributed to his foundational experience in informatics and logistics.
Educational Background
Thomas Burley studied at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a focus on Supply Chain Management, graduating Cum Laude in 2004. He also achieved a Bachelor of Arts in Geography, graduating Cum Laude in the same year. Additionally, he completed a Master of Science in Geographic Information Science and Surface-Water Hydrology at the same university, graduating Summa Cum Laude in 2008.
Data Management Initiatives
In his role at USGS, Thomas Burley has designed and operationalized a Lab Information Management System (LIMS) toolset for water-quality sample tracking and data management. He has developed data management documentation and conversion workflows to ensure operational consistency at the Center. His work emphasizes the importance of structured data management in environmental science.