Thomas K. Frazer

{{Short description|American marine scientist}}

Thomas K. Frazer is the dean of marine science at the University of South Florida (USF). He served as Florida's first chief science officer, a position created by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis who appointed Frazer.

He received his B.S. in Marine Fisheries from Humboldt State University, an M.S. in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences from University of Florida, and his Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from University of California Santa Barbara.{{Cite web|url=https://www.flgov.com/2019/04/01/governor-ron-desantis-appoints-dr-thomas-k-frazer-as-chief-science-officer/|title=Governor Ron DeSantis Appoints Dr. Thomas K. Frazer as Chief Science Officer}}

Frazer previously at the University of Florida directed its School of Natural Resources and Environment.{{Cite web|url=https://floridaphoenix.com/2021/05/13/fls-first-chief-science-officer-talks-about-the-job-and-the-controversy/|title=FL's first chief science officer talks about the job — and the controversy|date=May 13, 2021}} The creation of his state position and of a chief resilience officer was championed by environmentalists.{{Cite web|url=https://www.tampabay.com/news/environment/2020/06/11/usf-taps-floridas-first-chief-science-officer-to-lead-marine-science-college/|title=USF taps Florida's first chief science officer to lead marine science college|website=Tampa Bay Times}} He was involved in task force and legislative discussions about water pollution issues during his tenure.{{Cite web|url=https://www.floridaphoenix.com/2021/03/30/floridas-first-ever-chief-science-officer-left-but-when-and-what-did-he-do/|title=Florida's first-ever chief science officer left, but when, and what did he do?|date=30 March 2021}} Frazer was succeeded in the office by Mark Rains.{{Cite web|url=https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/politics/fl-ne-desantis-florida-chief-science-officer-20210330-5gdjzadwffaxjj4t7zu4u3v57a-story.html|title=DeSantis names Florida's new chief science officer|first=David|last=Fleshler|website=sun-sentinel.com|date=30 March 2021 }}