Hi, I’m Thomas

I earned my PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. I research clean energy systems and help graduate students navigate the research process.

I enjoy board games, learning harmonica, and exploring new facial hair styles. Though, I’ve found that latter two to be somewhat mutually exclusive; it is easier to play harmonica clean shaven than mustached. Luckily, board games accommodate both.

I started writing about academic productivity during my postdoctoral research appointment. As a postdoc, I helped advise graduate students on their research projects and noticed many recurring questions about writing, organization, efficient work rhythms—questions about how to get things done. Rather than repeat my opinions to individual students, I decided to research best practices and communicate my findings to a broader audience. If you’re a researcher, scientist, graduate student, or other academic, I’d love to help you make the most of your time.

If you’d like to keep in touch, join my newsletter. No spam. No sponsors. Just ideas on how to get [academic] things done.

If you have a specific question, email me at:
thomas@productiveacademic.com