Dr. Thompson received her M.S. in Agronomy from the University of Kentucky in 1989, and obtained her Ph.D at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 1993 (specialty in Weed Management). Previous career experiences include crop protection products research and teaching in undergraduate agriculture classes. Dr. Thompson has been with the University of Tennessee since June 1, 2002.

Dr. Thompson is responsible for coordinating statewide extension education programs in corn, soybean and grain sorghum production. Dr. Thompson collaborates with extension personnel to conduct county hybrid and variety testing, and coordinates demonstration research in areas of weed management, crop production systems, fertility and integrated pest management.