Thomas Clements, Ph.D.
About Thomas Clements, Ph.D.
Thomas Clements, Ph.D., is a Biology Senior Lecturer at Vanderbilt University, specializing in CRISPR technology and zebrafish research.
Company
Thomas Clements, Ph.D., is currently working at Vanderbilt University in the Greater Nashville Area, TN. He serves as a Biology Senior Lecturer at this prestigious institution. His efforts at Vanderbilt have been instrumental, especially in terms of teaching and research.
Title
Thomas Clements holds the position of Biology Senior Lecturer at Vanderbilt University. His role involves lecturing on a variety of courses, mentoring undergraduate students, and participating in multiple university programs.
Education and Expertise
Thomas Clements, Ph.D., earned his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Rice University. Prior to that, he completed his Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biochemistry (with a focus on Chemistry) from Purdue University. His areas of specialization include CRISPR-Cas mutagenesis, zebrafish care and experimental methods, and various molecular biology and genetic engineering techniques.
Teaching Experience and Courses
At Vanderbilt University, Thomas Clements has taught across six courses, including Introduction to Biological Sciences I and three different labs in the Introductory series. More recently, he has been teaching Principles of Genetics (BSCI 2210). He also helped implement a multi-class and multi-department Learning Assistant (LA) Program and led an initiative to incorporate LAs in Introductory Biology (BSCI 1510).
Research Interests and Achievements
Thomas Clements has maintained active research interests in CRISPR technology, particularly using zebrafish. He has mentored multiple undergraduate students and led projects involving CRISPR-Cas9 gene knockouts in zebrafish and several insect species. His notable achievements include winning a COVID-19 Innovative Teaching Award in Spring 2021 and publishing a review article in FEBS. Additionally, he collaborated with five Biological Science Professors and has been involved in switching a course to focus on the science behind coronaviruses and COVID-19.
Previous Positions and Roles
Before joining Vanderbilt University, Thomas Clements held several positions at Rice University, including BIOC 111 Co-Instructor, BIOC 115 section Instructor, and Ph.D. Candidate. His earlier professional experiences include working as a Cancer Prevention Interdisciplinary Program (CPIP) Intern at Purdue University, Quality Assurance Chemist Intern at Cargill, and Shift Manager at Taco Bell.