Kristen Thompson

Kristen Thompson is an Associate Professor of Physics at Davidson College. She specializes in observational astronomy, focusing on the role of magnetic fields in star formation through the Zeeman effect in radio spectral lines. Her research involves fieldwork at major radio telescopes, including the Arecibo Telescope and the Very Large Array.

• Ph.D., M.S. – University of Kentucky
• B.S. – Mount Union College

Her research investigates how interstellar magnetic fields influence star formation efficiency in molecular clouds. She combines astrophysics with observational techniques using radio telescopes to address unresolved questions in stellar evolution and interstellar dynamics.

Kristen teaches courses such as Astronomy with Lab, General Physics with Calculus, and Intermediate Astrophysics. Outside academia, she is an avid NASCAR fan, enjoys stargazing, boating, hiking, cross-stitching, and spending time with her husband and cat.