Dr. Thomas Soniat
Professor of Biological Sciences
Dr. Thomas Soniat’s marine biology studies have taken him on a global journey—from Nicholls State University to Norway to Texas and to Nicholls once more.
After graduating from Nicholls with a degree in marine biology, Soniat left for Bergen, Norway, to study marine zoology. Upon his return to the United States, he earned a Ph.D. in oceanography from Texas A&M University.
Before returning to the Nicholls Department of Biological Sciences, Soniat taught at the University of New Orleans and served as a consultant for major companies, including Chevron and Texaco.
Soniat has served as president of the National Shellfisheries Association and continues to enjoy his research endeavors involving oyster populations.
“What I like most about my job is the freedom to discover new things around the world,” Soniat says.
In his spare time, Soniat enjoys reading.
Education:
B.S., Nicholls State University; Cand. mag., Universitetet i Bergen (Norway); Ph.D., Texas A&M University
Courses taught:
BIOL 354 — Invertebrate Zoology
BIOL 401 — Seminar
BIOL 472 — Special Topics
BIOL 473 — Special Topics
BIOL 501 — Graduate Seminar
BIOL 555 — Advanced Oceanography
BIOL 560 — Marine and Environmental Regulation, Law and Policy Workshop
BIOL 591 — Thesis Research
BIOL 592 — Thesis Research
BIOL 593 — Thesis Research
BIOL 594 — Thesis Research
Research interests:
Oyster biology, estuarine ecology.
Contact information:
135 Peltier Hall
Phone: 985.448.4865
E-mail: tom.soniat@nicholls.edu