Her research interests include exploring the development of Computational Algorithmic Thinking (CAT), promoting access to healthcare information and services for under-served populations, reasoning using expert cases, scientific reasoning, complex cognitive skills learning, and computer-supported collaborative learning. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer and Information Science from Spelman College in 1999. In 2006, Dr. Thomas received a Ph.D. in Computer Science with a specialization Learning Sciences and Technology from Georgia Institute of Technology, in Atlanta, Georgia.