Research Expertise and Interest

epidemiology, physical activity, nutrition and health, childhood and youth, health disparities, school/community partnerships, participatory research, public education, physical education

Research Description

Dr. Thompson is an Assistant Research Professor at the UC Berkeley School of Public Health with expertise in the evaluation of programs and policies related to physical activity, nutrition, and youth health. As a former physical education teacher, she is particularly interested in supporting school-based physical activity efforts, specifically through improved physical education policies and practices. She currently has a K01 Career Development Award from NHLBI to examine the impact of school physical education policies on student cardiorespiratory fitness and related health disparities. She's worked in educational/community settings for nearly 15 years, directing studies in collaboration with departments of education, health care organizations, health departments, and community-based groups. She holds a PhD in Epidemiology and Translational Science from UCSF, an MPH in Public Health Nutrition, and a BA from Brown University. (Publications)