DSLS alumnus and associate scientist, Dr. Jeremy Lomax. (Photo courtesy of Jeremy Lomax)
Embarking on a journey of self-discovery and academic exploration is a pivotal chapter in any student’s life. For USF alumnus Dr. Jeremy Lomax, this journey led him from engaging in undergraduate research to cultivating a career at the intersection of biomechanics and human injury risk. He not only embraced academic challenges along the way, but also found a sense of community through the Dean's Student Leadership Society (DSLS), an organization that greatly impacted his personal and professional growth.
Lomax was raised in a military family and happened to be stationed in Florida during his college application phase. Intrigued by his interests in marine biology and pre-medical studies, USF emerged as a standout choice to pursue.
As he began his coursework, Lomax realized that the traditional field of medicine wasn’t the path he desired. During the course selection process, a friend suggested he sign up for an elective they could take together. It was in this class that Lomax discovered undergraduate research, the basis for what later would be his lifelong career.
Under the guidance of Dr. Phil Motta, a professor emeritus in the Department of Integrative Biology, Lomax participated in undergraduate research, even showcasing his findings at various conferences.
“Dr. Motta taught me all about the ins and outs of research. I was even able to capture some of my research animals on campus. I was studying invasive catfish at one point and pulled them out of the pond that was next to Juniper-Poplar Hall,” Lomax said.
While also conducting research, Lomax began his on-campus journey with his first job at New Student Connections, an organization dedicated to supporting new students and their families.
Despite enjoying his time at New Student Connections, Lomax was eager for fresh avenues of engagement. His journey led him to DSLS, where he was inducted as a member in the spring of 2014.
Jeremy Lomax pictured with his fellow DSLS cohort and former Dean Eric Eisenberg at a dunk tank event to promote the College of Arts and Sciences. (Photo courtesy of Jeremy Lomax)
“I was working as a peer advisor leader (PAL) for New Student Connections. The staff there was great, and they imparted to me the importance of giving back while working at the university,” Lomax explained. “I really wanted to find more ways to get involved and DSLS was a natural progression. It provided me with an opportunity to work more closely with the dean and to be involved in what was going on behind the scenes.”
Founded by former CAS Dean, Dr. Eric Eisenberg, and former CAS Communications and Marketing director Michele Dye, DSLS is a selective group of CAS students focused on fostering school pride and strengthening the college’s identity.
During his time in DSLS, Lomax participated in a variety of initiatives. He particularly cherishes the memory of extending undergraduate research opportunities to students throughout the university.
“The Honors College had a research innovation award that they also gave out at the same time as the Office of Undergraduate Research. During that time, they hosted a research conference highlighting the research opportunities available to students which I got to be a part of organizing. I was responsible for creating the signage and getting the word out about the event,” Lomax explained. “Being a part of the team that was tasked with organizing this and sharing it around campus was a great time. It was a really fun way for me to be a part of the initiatives for the College of Arts and Sciences and it's something that still sits with me to this day.”
When joining DSLS, Lomax sought the chance to collaborate with Eisenberg. He found that the dean not only excelled as a leader for DSLS but also served as a mentor to each member.
“Dean Eisenberg was one of the first people that I feel addressed me as an adult. In college, we are all technically adults, of course, but in working with Dean Eisenberg, it felt like I was being addressed as a peer. He would trust us to meet with potential donors, run events behind the scenes, and be representatives on behalf of the College of Arts and Sciences. While it meant a lot of work with Dean Eisenberg and his staff, it always felt like there was mutual respect,” Lomax shared.
A standout memory for Lomax during his time at DSLS was during a USF football game. It wasn’t about the game itself, but rather the new perspective the entire experience offered him.
“We were invited to attend a USF football game in the box seats with Dean Eisenberg. It was the first time I had ever watched a football game from anywhere that wasn't the nosebleed seats. I was able to talk to donors and alumni who have such amazing lived experiences. It sparked something in me because when you're not accustomed to things like that, you don't even know that they exist until you experience them. That football game definitely inspired something in me that allowed me to aspire to more, to see what this world has to offer, and the opportunities you can take advantage of just by creating a great network,” Lomax explained. “I don't think that I would have had a chance to do something like that if it hadn't been for DSLS giving me the space to talk with people who love USF and want to show students what opportunities are out there. I got all that from a football game and eating fried macaroni and cheese balls.”
After graduating from USF in 2016, Lomax went on to earn his master’s degree and PhD from Brown University.
“After USF, I went on to Brown where I did research studying piranhas; trying to understand how their feeding mechanisms worked using biomechanics. Now, I am a scientist at an engineering firm looking at biomechanics and how that plays into human injury risk. I think about my progression from fish to people, it’s been very interesting following where life takes you,” Lomax said.
In his professional role, Lomax categorizes his responsibilities into two areas, proactive and reactive. He proactively tests products about to hit the market, like shoes and baby products, to ensure they meet their intended purpose and are safe. Reactively, he addresses any errors from a product’s intended function by determining if there are areas for improvement or if the product was misused.
Jeremy Lomax (left), with his fellow DSLS class of 2014. (Photo courtesy of Jeremy Lomax)
These findings help contribute to the warning labels on most household items or potential product recalls. Lomax emphasized the significance of reading such labels as they are a commitment to product performance and safety standards. Beginning in 2024, Lomax has begun a new project that tests the safety of playground equipment for children.
Reflecting on his time at USF, Lomax highlights the value of involvement, particularly within DSLS. Beyond his academic pursuits, DSLS provided him with a sense of community and valuable opportunities that left a lasting impact on his personal and professional growth. Encouraging current students to embrace opportunities for involvement, he shares his advice to those who are considering joining the organization.
“I recommend students just go for it. I think more often than not, we are the ones that are constantly limiting ourselves or setting ourselves down before we even give ourselves a shot. But I made lifelong friends through this process, and being able to see what my induction class is doing and accomplishing is such a great thing,” Lomax said.
The DSLS 10th Anniversary Celebration was held on January 12. As it prepares to welcome a new class during the induction ceremony in April, this influential organization looks forward to continuing its success and inspiring future leaders.
To learn more, visit the DSLS website.