Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Microbiology
Howard University
2006
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Faculty
Faculty
Karl M. Thompson, Ph.D. ( He / His )
Associate Professor (Tenured)
Department/Office
- Microbiology
School/College
- College of Medicine
Additional Positions
-
University Biosafety OfficerResearch Regulatory Compliance
Biography
Karl M. Thompson, Ph.D., is a tenured associate professor of microbiology. His work focuses on understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms of infectious diseases and host-pathogen interactions. His research explores how microorganisms adapt, survive and cause disease, with an emphasis on identifying pathways that can be targeted for new therapeutic interventions. Through laboratory-based investigations and collaborative research initiatives, Thompson contributes to advancing scientific knowledge in microbiology while addressing health disparities that disproportionately affect underserved communities.
In addition to his research, Thompson is actively engaged in teaching and mentorship, supporting undergraduate and graduate students pursuing careers in the biomedical sciences. He incorporates hands-on laboratory training and research-driven instruction to prepare students for advanced study and professional work in microbiology and related fields. He works to foster diversity in STEM and create pathways for students from underrepresented backgrounds to enter scientific research careers.
Through his combined efforts in research, teaching and service, he plays a key role in Howard University College of Medicine’s mission to advance health equity and develop the next generation of scientists and health professionals.
Education & Expertise
Education
Certificate
Advanced Bacterial Genetics
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
2004
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Nutritional Sciences
Howard University
2000
Expertise
Microbiology
Bacterial Genetics
Molecular Genetics
Bacteriology
Bacterial Pathogenesis
Academics
Academics
Biology of Pathogens II
Microbiology Seminar (and Journal Club)
Special Topics in Microbiology
Research in Microbiology
Research
Research
Specialty
Bacterial Gene Regulation, RNA Biology, Bacteria-Host Interactions, and Cell BiologyFunding
Current
Grant Number: 1R35GM152163
Title: Epitranscriptomic and post-transcriptional regulation of the RNome in gram negative and firmicute bacteria
Funding Agency: National Institutes of General Medical Sciences - National Institutes of Health (NIGMS-NIH)
Term: 2024-2029
Amount ~ $2,000,000
Prior Support
National Science Foundation (NSF)
National Institutes of General Medical Sciences - National Institutes of Health (NIGMS-NIH)
Swedish Research Foundation
Howard University Medical Alumni Association (HUMAA)
Group Information
Current Members
Ph.D. Student Trainees of the Thompson Lab
Taylor Lofton (Microbiology)
Aicha Kaba (Microbiology)
Undergraduate Student Trainees of the Thompson Lab
Makenna Davis (Senior Chemistry major and Karsh STEM Scholar)
Olivia McGlaughlin (Senior Biology major)
Sophie Lee (Junior Biology major and Karsh STEM Scholar)
Cai Malone (Junior Chemical Engineering major and Karsh STEM Scholar)
Shaniah Smith (Junior Computer Science major)
Ijenna Adibe (Junior Biology major)
Alana Johnson (Junior Biology major and Karsh STEM Scholar)
Kai Avilez (Junior Biology major)
Camille Wimberly (Sophomore Biology major and Karsh STEM Scholar)
Past Members
Ph.D. Alumni of The Thompson Lab
Laricca London, Ph.D.
Mohammed Asiri, Ph.D.
Amer Al Ali, Ph.D.
Joseph I Aubee, Ph.D.
Jalisa Nurse, Ph.D.
Jamilah Alsulami, Ph.D.
Undergraduate Alumni of The Thompson Lab
Reni Olu, M.D. (Biology and Howard University College of Medicine Alumnus)
Berencia Fore (Biology Alumnus)
Kessler Hurd (Biology Alumnus)
Abbigale Perkins (Biology Alumnus)
Briana Hernandez (Biology Alumnus)
Adia Gomes (Biology / Psychology Alumnus)
Brittany Smith (Biology Alumnus)
Ilahi Creary-Miller (Biology Alumnus)
Bryce Collier (Political Science Alumnus)
Devante Kerr (Biology and Karsh STEM Alumnus - Goldwater Scholar)
Katelyn Robertson (Biology and Karsh STEM Alumnus - Goldwater Scholar)
Kalaila Pias, M.D. (Biology and Howard University College of Medicine B.S. / M.D. Alumnus)
Danae Byer (Biology Alumnus and Howard University College of Medicine Alumnus)
Sherese Brown (Biology Alumnus)
Alexandria Adigun (Biology and Karsh STEM Alumnus - Goldwater Scholar)
Olufolakemi Olusanya (Biology and Karsh STEM Alumnus - 1st Annual Rising Black Scholar Undergraduate Level Awardee from Cell Press)
Ayotimofe Idowu (Biology and Karsh STEM Scholars Alumnus)
Selama Tesfamariam (Biology and Karsh STEM Scholars Alumnus) - 2024
Olivia Sconyers (Biology and Karsh STEM Scholars Alumnus) - 2024
Deja Gaines (Biology Alumnus) - 2024
Elise Turner (Biology Alumnus) - 2024
Rehannon Caporale Harney (Psychology Alumnus) - 2024
Kendal Pully (Biology Alumnus) - 2025
Ananya Hota (Biology and Karsh STEM Scholars Alumnus - Goldwater Scholar Fulbright Scholar) - 2025
Kaie Hall (Chemical Engineering Alumnus) - 2025
Jaja Baldeh (Biology Alumnus) - 2025
Featured News
Featured News
Listen: WDKX | Rochester's Own Dr. Karl Thompson
Read: STAT News | HBCUs can help create a 21st-century bioeconomy and the talent pipeline it requires
Read: The Washington Post | Howard University likely to earn highest research status, only HBCU to do so
Read: Howard Magazine | Fighting Infectious Diseases Through Research
