Alicia Thomas

Staff Scientist

Alicia Thomas joined Healthy Gulf as Staff Scientist in January 2026, returning to her home in the Gulf region after over a decade of working in the Sonoran and Mojave deserts. Raised in Plaquemine, Louisiana, Alicia’s interests in the intersection of ecology, history, and culture are shaped by long generational ties to the landscape and stories of the River Parish region. The throughline of her work across roles and regions has been her commitment to advancing community‑led conservation to strengthen both community and landscape resilience.

Alicia earned a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resource Ecology and Management (NREM) from Louisiana State University and a Master of Science in Urban Forestry from Southern University. She brings 14 years of cross‑sector experience blending advocacy and science to support communities in the Southwest and Southeast, with roles in public lands management, urban ecology, environmental justice, interpretation and education, cultural preservation, wildlife biology, policy, and regulatory consultations for urban development and utility‑scale renewable energy. Her work includes roles in federal, state, academic, national, and local purpose-driven organizations.This interdisciplinary approach is rooted in Alicia’s technical and lived experience as a scientist, musician, and member of the frontline River Parishes communities.