Thomas holds a masters and doctorate in Construction Engineering and Management from Stanford University, where his doctoral research focused on Mechanical Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) coordination for buildings, and an engineering degree from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in the State of California and is an active member of the American Society for Engineering Educators. His previous experience has included working as an engineer for the Ralph M. Parsons Company and he is a recipient of the CAED Verla and Paul Neel scholarship and is the co-author of several peer-reviewed journal and conference papers.