DAVID THOMAS

David Thomas is a data nerd, an investigator, and a storyteller: qualities that combine to drive his expertise in undergraduate and graduate admissions. Co-founder of Forster-Thomas Educational Consulting, David has helped countless students shape their personal narrative to gain admission to STEAM education programs, medical school, and PhD programs, as well as business and law school.

David has been especially excited to support Essay Busters, the nonprofit founded by his husband, Evan Forster, which helps at-risk New York City students (especially in charter schools) tell their story as part of the college application process.

David is excited to bring his experience reading essays and encouraging higher education as part of the Inclusive Space Academy Scholarship. He remembers his own youth—as a closeted gay kid in the early eighties, with no LGBTQ+ role models in the media—he decided “people like him” don’t become scientists.

As an ISA judge, David wants to help young STEM kids embrace this aspect of their identity.

David received his MSJ in magazine publishing in 1991 from Northwestern University’s Medill Graduate School of Journalism. He worked for 12 years in consumer magazines, including senior positions at Yahoo! Internet Life, Individual Investor, and POZ (which was nominated for a 1997 National Magazine Award for General Excellence during his term as editor-in-chief.) He served as Features Producer under Eric Etheridge at Deja.com and is published in magazines including Men’s Health, Seventeen, Music Choice, and The New Physician.