Tom Osterkamp holds a PhD in physics from St. Louis University. He taught classes in physics and geophysics--and conducted research on things frozen (primarily floating ice covers and permafrost)--for thirty years at the University of Alaska and is currently Professor Emeritus. He is a founding member, former board member, and former Training Officer for Gateway Search Dogs. He is a former member of the Board of Directors of the North American Search Dog Network (NASDN). He is a former Vice President and President of the SAR Council of Missouri as well as a founding member of the Canine Search and Rescue Association.

Tom has been active in K9 SAR for 23 years, including more than 1500 hours formal instruction in NIMS, SAR, ICS, Arctic survival, and dog training specifically in: scent theory, air scenting, disaster, first responder, trailing, cadaver, water search, and evidence. His dogs have passed more than 40 national level certifications including NAPWDA, IPWDA, NNDDA, NASAR, NSDA, and US Mantrailing Association. articles have been published in the Journal of Forensic Sciences, Advanced Rescue Technology, and in newsletters such as SAR Dog Alert and SAR Dog News. He has taught classes and seminars on such topics as scent theory, area search, trailing, water search, and cadaver dog training locally and nationally including Alaska, and Canada.