Martie P. Thompson

Dr. Martie P. Thompson is a distinguished scholar and a nationally recognized leader in public health research, particularly in the areas of violence prevention, suicide risk, and college student mental health. She currently serves as the Blue Cross NC Distinguished Endowed Professor in Public Health at Appalachian State University. With a career that spans decades, Dr. Thompson brings a wealth of expertise in community psychology, epidemiology, and trauma-informed research, making her a pivotal figure in shaping evidence-based interventions across diverse populations. Dr. Thompson earned her Ph.D., M.A., and B.A. in Community Psychology from Georgia State University, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at Emory University School of Medicine and a prestigious tenure as an Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) Officer at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Over the years, she has held faculty positions at several esteemed institutions including Clemson University and Emory University, and she has served on multiple editorial boards for leading academic journals. Her extensive research portfolio includes over 100 peer-reviewed publications and numerous federally funded grants. As Principal Investigator and Co-Investigator on over 30 studies, Dr. Thompson has led groundbreaking research in the epidemiology of suicidal behavior, sexual violence, intimate partner violence, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and trauma among underserved populations. Her recent NIH-funded project investigates the impact of social determinants of health and the COVID-19 pandemic on youth suicide risk, showcasing her commitment to addressing timely public health challenges. Dr. Thompson's work has made significant contributions to the prevention of campus sexual assault and the understanding of repeat versus time-limited sexual violence perpetration among college students. She also co-authored and evaluated various digital and community-based prevention programs. Her findings have shaped national discussions and policies on violence prevention, including her participation in federal task forces and invited presentations at prominent conferences such as the American Public Health Association (APHA) and the Department of Health and Human Services. In addition to her research, Dr. Thompson is a dedicated educator and mentor. She teaches courses in biostatistics and public health methods and has guided numerous graduate students in research and professional development. Her work exemplifies a deep commitment to health equity, evidence-based policy, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Dr. Thompson's outstanding achievements have earned her numerous accolades, including multiple Charles Shepard Award nominations for her scientific contributions at the CDC and recognition from Clemson University for excellence in interdisciplinary collaboration and journal publications. Her long-standing affiliations with professional organizations such as the American Psychological Association and her roles on national research collaboratives further reflect her leadership and influence in the field.