Dr. Thomas Jensen, PhD

Assistant Professor of Physiology
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM), Elmira

Background and Experience

Dr. Thomas Jensen earned his PhD in Reproductive Physiology from the University of Notre Dame. Following his graduate training, he started a postdoctoral fellowship at the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research, where remained for 21 years and advanced to the position of Senior Scientist before transitioning to academia.

Dr. Jensen’s research has consistently focused on reproductive biology and embryo development, utilizing the quail as a model system. At LECOM Elmira, his laboratory investigates various aspects of embryonic development and metabolism, germline stem cell rescue, and physiological stress effects on telomere length.

The Jensen Lab welcomes student involvement and encourages student-driven, lab-based research projects, particularly those aligned with or complementary to ongoing studies.

Current Research Projects:

1. Investigating migration and colonization behavior of primordial germ cells following transplantation
2. Studying the effects of foreign substances on embryo development and metabolism
3. Examining the roles of the female reproductive tract and sperm competition in determining fertilization success
4. Evaluating the effects of different types of chronic stress on relative telomere length
5. Using a clinostat to assess the effects of microgravity (space travel) on embryological development across different organ systems