Thomas worked with Sociology Professor Charles Westerberg on an independent research project that analyzed 10 years of raw data from the Wisconsin Court System to look for patterns in criminal charging in Rock County. The patterns he identified demonstrated that there are racial disparities in how defendants are treated with respect to charging. The findings held up even over the past three years, a period when the county has adopted a smart on crime approach meant to address such disparities. The results were shared with the District Attorney’s office and with the Rock County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council.

Thomas notes that once he became aware of the structures and systems underlying American society, he wanted to learn more and more, and he eagerly embraces opportunities that allow him to deepen his knowledge. Of spending the summer analyzing criminal justice data, he says simply, “This is what I wanted.”

The research built on an earlier special project Thomas completed in Spring 2025. He investigated the causes and consequences of the increased use of plea-bargaining in the U.S. criminal justice system, with particular emphasis on the connection between plea-bargaining and mass incarceration. He presented this work at the 2025 Student Symposium. He will get a different view of the pursuit of justice this fall as an intern for the College’s Restorative Justice Initiative.

Thomas is a double major in sociology and cognitive science, and has a minor in philosophy. He’s also interested in politics - he’s the vice-chair of the Beloit College Dems, he interned with Wisconsin State Representative Clinton Anderson in Spring 2025, and this fall he is a teaching assistant for POLS 180: Introduction to Political Thinking.

Ultimately, he hopes to pursue a PhD in sociology, possibly in conjunction with a law degree.