Thomas Scanlon is a Professor in the Department of Mathematics at the University of California, Berkeley. He earned his S.B. from the University of Chicago in 1993 and his Ph.D. from Harvard University in 1997. He has made significant contributions to model theory and its applications in number theory. His research interests focus on utilizing model theory to explore intricate relationships within number theory, including topics such as the André-Oort conjecture and polynomial dynamical systems. He has published numerous influential papers in esteemed mathematics journals, shaping the understanding of algebraic equations and their properties. As the Vice-Chair for Graduate Affairs, he is actively involved in the academic development of graduate students in mathematics, guiding them through their educational journey and providing support for their research initiatives. His office hours are dedicated to aiding students and fostering a collaborative learning environment within the department.