Profile

Thomas B. Waltzek studied marine biology at Florida State University and graduated with a BS in 1998. He then enrolled at the University of California, Davis, where he studied the functional anatomy and ecology of cichlid fishes and received an 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 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.

In the summer of 2023, Thomas joined the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory and Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University as an associate professor. Dr. Waltzek serves as the Ed McLeary Distinguished Professor in Aquatic Animal Health. In his spare time, Tom enjoys spending time with his two daughters and wife traveling, scuba diving and exploring this underwater world through photography.