Olivia M. Thompson, PhD, MPH

assistant professor

University of Nebraska Medical Center
College of Public Health

Professional Summary

Olivia M. Thompson, Ph.D., M.P.H. is an Assistant Professor within the College of Public Health, Department of Health Promotion & Social and Behavioral Health where she leads research efforts with focus in chronic disease prevention and control. In addition, Dr. Thompson is contracted with Social & Scientific Systems, Inc. to support the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), Division of Nutrition Research Coordination in carrying out epidemiologic research activities. Prior to coming to Nebraska, Dr. Thompson served as a Fellow at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). She has also conducted research at the state level and has directed a number of community-based research projects for the Kalihi-Palama Health Center, which is housed in Honolulu, HI.

Education

• Ph.D., Nutritional Sciences, The University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 2007
• M.P.H., Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 2001
• B.S., Major Psychology and Minor Biology, College of Charleston, Charleston, SC, 1999

Courses Taught

For the past seven years, Dr. Thompson has taught undergraduate courses in the areas of human nutrition, health and human fitness, health and human wellness, and health and human sexuality.  She is currently developing a graduate-level course in the area of public health nutrition. 

• Thompson OM, Yaroch AL, Moser RP, Finney-Rutten LJ, Agurs-Collins T.  Relationship between self-reported vending machine purchasing and vending machine access and dietary behaviors among children and adolescents: Results from the 2005 YouthStyles Survey.  In Press: The Journal of School Health.
• Thompson OM, Beresford SAA, Kirk EA, Bronner MP, Vaughan TL.  Increased serum leptin and decreased serum adiponectin levels and risk of Barrett's esophagus and intestinal metaplasia of the gastroesophageal junction in adult men and women.  In Press: Obesity. 
• Thompson OM, Beresford SAA, Kirk EA, Vaughan, TL.  Increased vegetable and fruit intake and risk of Barrett's esophagus in adult men and women.  The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.  2009;89(3):890-6.
• Thompson OM, Ballew C, Resnicow K, Must A, Bandini LG, Gillespie, C, Dietz, WH.  Dietary pattern as a predictor of change in BMI z-score among adolescent girls.  International Journal of Obesity.  2006;30:176-182.
• Thompson OM, Ballew C, Resnicow K, Must A, Bandini LG, Cyr H, Dietz, WH.  Eating food prepared away from home as a predictor of change in BMI z-score among adolescent girls.  International Journal of Obesity.  2004;28:282-289.   

Professional Affiliations

• The Society for Nutrition Education
• Academy Health
• The Obesity Society
• The Society of Behavioral Medicine