Jack Thrasher Ph.D.
Dr. Thrasher received a Bachelor's of Science degree in 1959 from California State University, Long Beach, and a Ph.D. from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), School of Medicine, Department of Anatomy in 1964. He taught medical students at both the University of Colorado and UCLA in cell biology, human anatomy, physiology and embryology. 

Dr. Thrasher specialized in toxicology since 1966 and immunotoxicology since 1986. He worked as a consultant to toxicology laboratories and three human diagnostic laboratories. He was an expert witness in government, defense and plaintiff cases.

Dr. Thrasher published peer-reviewed research papers on the toxic effects of various chemicals, bacteria, molds and mycotoxins on animals and humans. These included the immunotoxicology of formaldehyde, organophosphate insecticides, chlorinated insecticides, solvents, isocyanates hydrogen sulfide, and molds and bacteria in water-damaged homes and buildings.

He gave numerous presentations and served on many committees, editorial boards and advisory panels. He was a well-known expert in his field and was quoted in numerous articles throughout his career.

A common trait in each of these pioneers was a strong work ethic, and Dr. Thrasher also had an incredible work ethic. He was always busy with phone calls, emails, investigating sick buildings, writing reports, giving his support to various groups, volunteering his time and writing research papers.

In late 2016, he was serving on the Organizing Committee for an international conference on “Mycotoxins and Toxigenic Fungi” that was later held in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, February 27-28, 2017. He planned to attend the conference, but he passed away unexpectedly on January 27, 2017.
Jack Dwayne Thrasher Ph.D.
Jack Dwayne Thrasher, Ph.D.

In addition to spending time with family and friends, Jack had many hobbies over the years. He especially enjoyed golfing, camping and fishing. One of his favorite spots was Rush Creek in the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California. Rush Creek is a 27.2-mile-long creek on the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada in Mono County (3 hours south of Sacramento). It is home to world-class trout fishing and numerous campgrounds.


Dr. Jack Thrasher was a good friend, trusted advisor and esteemed colleague to many people around the world. His legacy extends far beyond the papers he published or the legal battles he fought and won. It includes the family he loved, the friendships he made, the people he helped, the lives he changed, and the memory of his courage, tenacity, perseverance and determination. 


To learn more about Dr. Thrasher's life and work and to hear from his friends and colleagues, read the GIHN  commemorative newsletter that was published on February 17, 2017.