Tell us about yourself and your work.

I am a historian of science and medicine in the 20th century. I worked for many years on the history of the epidemiology of infectious diseases and immunization. I was interested in the power of numbers: how epidemiology, as a statistical practice, could normalize an intervention considered as controversial as immunization. 

Colonialism has transformed modern medicine. Many of the studies and trials I was interested in examining were carried out in Francophone Africa, before and after independence. This research informs my recently published book, Vaccination: Histoire d’un consentement (Vaccination: A History of Consent). I have continued to work on medicine within a Franco-African framework, and am now examining the history of sanitary evacuation from Gabon, a subject with a very material dimension. When you are evacuated, you first experience transportation infrastructures: a train, a plane. The ability to be evacuated, which is a common practice in places where medical infrastructures are insufficient, says a lot about one’s resources and proximity to the state.

Alongside my work in the history of science and medicine, I've edited and translated the writings of two American art critics, Douglas Crimp and Craig Owens, who were major cultural figures during the first decades of the AIDS epidemic. Owens passed away when he was 39, following which four of his friends published the only existing volume of his collected essays. I find this very moving — the fact that an intellectual legacy could exist through the work of friends.

What drove you to pursue your line of research?

In Western societies, physicians have had enormous power in determining what is a “good life.” For example, we see a disproportionately high participation of physicians in 19th century French politics, holding many elected offices. I was always intrigued by that. I was also drawn towards approaching history through the dynamics of sickness and healing (and death), which are so visceral.

What is one challenge you find in your teaching?

I'm currently teaching classes on the history of the architecture of hospitals and the history of visualization and science, aiming to draw out connections that might be unexpected or novel for my students. I spend time creating context for the material and arguments I am presenting in class, seeking to address students from diverse backgrounds. It takes effort and flexibility to build a shared and inclusive culture in the classroom. 

What is your favorite aspect of Michigan?

There is a sense of intellectual community here that I haven't experienced in other institutions. This has been a very positive dimension of my relatively brief time here. There are very original thinkers here, across and between departments. 

What are some hobbies you engage in outside of the classroom?

Reading literature is very important to me and something I dedicate a lot of time to. I enjoy traveling to engage with art and architecture. I also love conducting field work, for which I’ve recently been making trips to Gabon. I've been incredibly fortunate to gain access to a wide range of archival records and personal accounts on these visits.

In the winter 2025 semester, Dr. Thomas will teach two DAAS courses: Histories of Healing in Africa, and Beyond the African Laboratory: Science and Technology in Africa.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.