2023 Tillman Scholar
Thomas’ desire to serve was inspired by his family. His father served as a Navy surface warfare officer, and his mother retired as an operations research and systems analysis officer in the Army. His oldest brother served in the Army as a Chemical Sergeant, and his twin brother is still currently serving as an orthopedic surgeon in the Navy. His wife, Sarah, also currently serves as an Army engineer officer. For his entire life, he has been surrounded by incredible role models in the services.
Thomas is a captain in the U.S. Army with 10 years of active military service. He started his career as a Marine Corps infantryman, leaving as a corporal to attend West Point. There, he studied chemical engineering and commissioned as an engineer officer. Thomas has served in engineering and leadership roles in the 1st Engineer Battalion at Fort Riley, Kansas, the 1st Engineer Brigade at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., and Area Support Group—Jordan in Zarqa, Jordan.
Thomas is pursuing a degree in systems design and management from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He has a passion for research and development of renewable and recyclable energies and wants to facilitate change in energy policy in the future. His goal is to make renewable energy as ubiquitous as fossil fuels.