Thompson Named New Faculty Fellow for Postdoctoral Affairs and Research Development
Research, Economic Development and Engagement welcomes Dr. Beth Thompson, associate professor of biology, as the new Faculty Fellow for Postdoctoral Affairs and Research Development. In this position, Thompson will lead the recruitment, training, and support of ECU postdoctoral scholars; help raise awareness of postdoctoral scholar research and opportunities; pursue funding to enhance postdoctoral opportunities; help office leaders grow sponsored activities; support research development initiatives; and assist with professional development opportunities.
The role will reside in the Office of Research Development.
Thompson received her BA in Biochemistry and Philosophy from Rice University and her PhD in Cell & Molecular Biology at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. She moved to the University of California – Berkeley for her post-doctoral work, during which time she was awarded an NIH postdoctoral fellowship. Thompson arrived at ECU in 2010 as an assistant professor of biology and became an associate professor in 2017.
During her time at ECU, Thompson has received more than $900,000 in extramural funding, including a prestigious NSF CAREER award. Committed to teaching, mentoring, and student training, she received the ECU Teacher-Scholar Award and the UNC Board of Governors Distinguished Professor for Teaching Award.
“I am excited to step into this new role and promote high quality research and training across the university. I look forward to getting to know our postdoc community, supporting them in their research endeavors at ECU, and helping them prepare for the next stages in their careers,” said Thompson.
Dr. Mary Farwell, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research Development, said, “Dr. Thompson brings experience as an NSF-funded researcher and postdoctoral scholar mentorship experience to the position. She has served on university-wide committees, most notably the budget committee. This background will bode well for her success in the new position.”
Thompson begins the Faculty Fellow position May 16.