Lee Thompson

Dr. Lee Thompson is a Professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences at Case Western Reserve University and Deputy Provost for Academic Strategic Initiatives. She has held leadership roles including interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and inaugural department chair of Psychological Sciences. Her research focuses on developmental psychology, particularly the genetic and environmental influences on cognitive skills, reading, math, and brain function. Thompson has published over 100 peer-reviewed articles and leads studies on math anxiety and academic attainment in emerging adulthood.

Education: PhD in Psychology (University of Colorado, Boulder), MA in Psychology (University of Colorado, Boulder), BA in Psychology and Sociology (Case Western Reserve University).

Research Interests: Genetic and environmental bases of individual differences, cognitive development, math and reading acquisition, neuroimaging correlates of learning. Current projects include NIH-funded studies on twins and interventions for math anxiety.

Awards: Northeast Ohio Teaching Excellence Award (2005), McGraw-Hill Teaching Award (2013), multiple teaching nominations. She co-leads the Provost Scholars Program, mentoring underserved youth.

Leadership: Collaborates on university-wide initiatives enhancing faculty engagement, student success, and operational efficiency. Advises on academic strategy, budgeting, and communications. Her work integrates behavioral genetics with educational practice.

Labs/Teams: Active in the Western Reserve Reading and Math Project, collaborating with Ohio State University and NIH. Engages students in longitudinal studies on cognitive development.