FACULTY FOCUS: Dr. Erin Thomas Inspires the Next Generation of Exercise Science Professionals
When Dr. Erin Thomas first set foot on the campus of Dean College 20 years ago as a new professor, she knew she had found a place that felt like home. Raised in a small town in Rhode Island, she valued close-knit communities and a college where she could make an impact. Since then, she has shaped Dean’s thriving Exercise Science program with innovation, hands-on learning, and a passion for student success.
Today, as Coordinator of the Department of Exercise Science and a beloved professor, Dr. Thomas continues to guide students through experiential learning, research, and a teaching style rooted in connection.
From Sports Fan to Exercise Scientist
Dr. Thomas didn’t always envision a career in exercise science. In fact, she started college at the University of Rhode Island as a journalism major. But when she realized it wasn’t the right fit, she leaned into her love of sports and fitness. Encouraged by a graduate teaching assistant, she pursued a master’s degree, began teaching labs, and discovered a love for guiding students.
That passion led her to the University of Pittsburgh, where she earned her Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology. Her research focused on obesity and weight management, helping patients transform their health through fitness and evidence-based strategies. She also tested some of the earliest wearable fitness technologies, precursors to today’s Fitbits and smartwatches.
“I get excited when students want to use techy equipment,” she says. “It’s fun to show them how far the field has come and how today’s tools can transform training.”
Learning Beyond the Textbook
Dr. Thomas believes education is most powerful when students apply their learning outside the classroom. That’s why she integrates field trips, internships, and research projects into her teaching. Students have toured the New England Revolution’s training facilities, tried out professional-grade performance tracking equipment, and are even required to get approval for and conduct their own human-subject research studies. Dean’s exclusive partnership with Kraft Sports + Entertainment also leverages real-world experiences for her students.
“By gaining hands-on experience, students realize exercise science isn’t just about memorizing terminology,” she explains. “It’s about problem-solving, working with real people, and building confidence.”
Networking is another cornerstone of her teaching philosophy. She encourages students to make connections early, whether through internships, job shadowing, or simply introducing themselves to professionals in the field. “The earlier they practice those conversations, the more prepared they’ll be when opportunities arise,” she says.
Her graduates have pursued careers in physical and occupational therapy, sports performance, and emerging fields like flexology and performance coaching. “Watching them discover their passions, and even sometimes pivot, is deeply rewarding,” she says. “I tell my students that it’s okay to change paths. I did, and it led me to where I am today.”
Looking Ahead
As she reflects on two decades at Dean, Dr. Thomas remains energized by the future of exercise science. From cutting-edge wearable technology to evolving training methods, she sees endless opportunities for students to make their mark.
Her upcoming priorities include deepening partnerships with local professional teams and facilities, expanding internship opportunities, and continuing to introduce students to the latest tools shaping the industry. Most of all, she’s excited to keep learning alongside her students.
“In fitness and health, you’re always acquiring knowledge,” she says. “New research, new technology, new methods — it never stops. That’s what keeps this field so exciting, and that’s what I try to pass on to my students.”
A Lasting Impact
Whether guiding students through labs, cheering them on during internships, or celebrating graduate school milestones, Dr. Thomas has built a legacy of mentorship and innovation at Dean. In fact, she was honored with the College’s prestigious Excellence in Teaching Award in 2022 for her substantial contributions to the Exercise Science program at Dean.
In addition to teaching, she serves as a faculty athletic mentor to the women’s soccer team, sits on the Institutional Review Board, and is a founding member of Dean’s Center for Business, Entertainment and Sport Management.
Her advice to students is simple but powerful: stay curious, stay connected, and never stop learning. For those fortunate enough to study under her guidance, that wisdom extends far beyond the classroom into a lifetime of growth.