Erika L. Thompson, PhD, Honored with 2026 Mentorship Award by American Academy of Health Behavior

The Kate Marmion School of Public Health celebrates Erika L. Thompson, PhD, MPH, FAAHB, Associate Professor in the Department of Quantitative and Qualitative Health Sciences, who has been named the 2026 Mentorship Award recipient by the American Academy of Health Behavior (AAHB). This honor recognizes Thompson’s exceptional dedication to nurturing the next generation of public health leaders and her profound contributions to the field.

From AAHB:

Her journey with the AAHB began in 2015 as a doctoral student, and the Academy has since served as her “academic home.” Throughout her tenure, Thompson has held pivotal leadership roles within the organization—including Board Secretary, Chair of the Professional Development and Mentoring Council, and Co-Director of the Research Scholars and Mentoring Program. She previously received the AAHB Judy K. Black Early Career Award in 2020 and was inducted as an AAHB Fellow in 2022.

A renowned researcher, Thompson’s work centers on human papillomavirus (HPV) cancer prevention, with a focus on HPV vaccination initiatives and cervical cancer screening. Her innovative research examines vaccine decision-making processes, community-based implementation strategies, and the role of alternative healthcare providers and settings in expanding HPV prevention efforts. Her impactful projects have secured funding from leading institutions, including the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT), the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), as well as nonprofit organizations and industry partners.

Beyond her research, Thompson is celebrated for her transformative approach to mentorship. She cultivates a supportive, inclusive environment where mentees feel empowered to define and achieve their own version of success. Thompson views mentorship as a dynamic, reciprocal relationship—one that evolves beyond formal training periods. Her philosophy emphasizes centering the mentee’s voice while fostering a culture of growth, belonging, and equity. These principles aim to strengthen the public health workforce and promote greater diversity within the field.

Thompson has also made significant contributions to mentorship scholarship. She actively participates in the National Research Mentoring Network (NRMN) and holds certifications as an Entering Mentoring Facilitator from the Center for the Improvement of Mentoring Experiences in Research (CIMER) and as a STAR Leadership Grant Coach.

Thompson earned her Master of Public Health in Epidemiology from the University of Florida and her Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health from the University of South Florida. She further honed her expertise during a postdoctoral fellowship focused on women’s reproductive health at the University of South Florida.

Upon learning of her 2026 Mentorship Award, Thompson shared:“I am extremely grateful for this accolade. My passion for mentoring is deeply rooted in the transformative mentorship I received from extraordinary women throughout my academic journey. My mentees continually expand my worldview, challenge my assumptions, and inspire me to grow as both a researcher and a person. Watching mentees succeed is among the most fulfilling aspects of my work. For me, mentorship is not just a professional responsibility, it is a privilege and a source of enduring joy.”

Thompson will be formally honored during the AAHB Annual Scientific Meeting in Austin, Texas, on March 29 through April 2. 

The Kate Marmion School of Public Health extends its congratulations to Erika L. Thompson on this well-deserved recognition.