Thomas Sharpton

Background

About Thomas Sharpton

I am a microbiome scientist dedicated to uncovering how microbial communities influence human health and disease. My work integrates microbiology, statistics, and computer science to develop rigorous, reproducible frameworks for microbiome data analysis and interpretation.I serve as the Jamieson Endowed Chair in Healthspan Research at Oregon State University’s Linus Pauling Institute, with joint appointments in Microbiology and Statistics. I direct the OSU Microbiome Core and the OSU Microbiome Initiative, leading a multidisciplinary team that delivers state-of-the-art metagenomic profiling, integrative multi-omic analysis, and AI-driven modeling.Research in my lab spans zebrafish, murine, and human cohorts, where we apply metagenomics, high-throughput assays, and systems-biology experimentation to identify the molecular circuits through which microbes shape physiology. Guided by evolutionary theory, we ask how modern lifestyle and environmental changes disrupt long-standing host–microbe interactions and contribute to chronic disease, from inflammatory bowel disease to neurodegeneration.I have published more than 120 peer-reviewed articles, identified microbiome-derived therapeutic leads, and maintain continuous support from the NIH and NSF. Through global academic, clinical, and industry partnerships, I work to translate microbiome science into strategies that promote healthspan and prevent chronic disease, while mentoring the next generation of scientists through inclusive training and outreach.