Dr. Thompson is a molecular biologist with expertise in immunology, cancer prevention science, and clinical trials. her research focuses on the role of inflammation in cancer risk as a target for primary and secondary prevention, integrating laboratory studies, clinical trials, and population-based research. This work bridges lifestyle factors such as obesity, diet, exercise, and acculturation with cancer risk across diverse racial, ethnic, and gender groups.

Her career has been dedicated to advancing cancer prevention research and toward mentoring the next generation of leaders in cancer science. Before rejoining the University of Arizona Cancer Center, Thompson served as Co-Leader of Cancer Prevention and Control at Cedars-Sinai Cancer Center, where she successfully developed and implemented a strategic plan to expand training in cancer control sciences, fostering structured mentorship and talent development. In addition to implementing structured mentorship for all member faculty, Thompson launched the UGROW program, a collaboration with the eight locally Hispanic-serving California State Universities, to train undergraduates from diverse backgrounds in cancer control science. Now in its fourth cohort, UGROW has successfully advanced 45% of its alumni—primarily women and individuals of color— into graduate programs in science-related fields, with the majority pursuing careers in cancer research.

Thompson’s career efforts in mentorship has resulted in numerous new R01-funded researchers with diversified talent pipelines. A key highlight includes co-directing the UACC GI SPORE Career Development Program (e.g.,17 new R01 investigators), mentoring NIH T32 doctoral students and R25 postdoctoral trainees, and leading large-scale Phase III cancer prevention trials that served as a foundation for training the next generation of cancer researchers. 

Thompson co-leads two NCI-funded R01 clinical trials: one investigating sulindac for breast cancer prevention (R01CA235720) and the other exploring cholesterol-lowering therapies and tumor immunity in prostate cancer (R01CA280060). As PI of the U of A Chemoprevention Clinical Trials Network (UA CP-CTNet, UG1CA242596), she currently oversees a nationally coordinated network of NCI-funded chemoprevention trials.

With a strong commitment to impactful and inclusive mentorship, addressing cancer disparities, and fostering innovation, Thompson aims to contribute meaningfully to advancing cancer prevention research and education as the CPCP liaison to the UACC Cancer Research Training and Education Coordination (CRTEC) activities.