BIOSKETCH

Thomas B. Waltzek studied marine biology at Florida State University graduating with a BS in 1998. He then enrolled at the University of California, Davis (UC Davis) where he studied the functional anatomy and ecology of cichlid fishes receiving a MS in 2002. Between 2002 and 2010, Thomas continued his studies in a dual DVM/PhD program at UC Davis focusing on fish health. He received a DVM in 2009 and finished his PhD dissertation on the evolution and ecology of viral diseases of aquatic vertebrates in 2010. In 2011, he joined the University of Florida (UF) as a postdoctoral research associate to begin the surveillance and characterization of emerging aquatic animal pathogens. He accepted the position of assistant professor in the UF College of Veterinary Medicine in 2012. In 2018, he earned the rank of associate professor at UF. His research at UF focused on emerging pathogens impacting both aquatic wildlife and aquatic animal industries. In 2021, he joined the USDA aquaculture trade staff in support of the National Aquaculture Health Plan and Standards.