Thomas J. Trebat is an American economist, political scientist, and professor. He teaches at the School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA), at Columbia University. He is also the director of the Columbia Global Centers | Rio de Janeiro, Columbia University's representation in Brazil. He has served as executive director at Columbia University's Institute of Latin American Studies (ILAS) and Center for Brazilian Studies. He became head of ILAS when his colleague Albert Fishlow, who had brought him to the Institute, stepped down.