Katherine Thompson

Professor Katherine Thompson is the Head of School for the School of Natural Sciences at Birkbeck, University of London. She holds a prominent academic role as a Professor specializing in biophysical chemistry and environmental science. Her research focuses on lipid membrane interactions, lung surfactant systems, and the effects of environmental pollutants like ozone on biological interfaces.

She supervises six doctoral researchers, including current students Hessa Ali Alshehri (studying surfactant systems and oxidants) and Tina Wright (investigating ozone-induced lipid oxidation). Alumni include Naail Kashif-Khan (bacterial nanocompartment proteins) and Vivian Wang (oxidative damage in lung surfactants).

Her teaching spans advanced topics in molecular biology, protein structure, spectroscopy, and analytical techniques. Notable publications include studies on lipid vesicle hydrolysis, nanoparticle-membrane interactions, and ozone's impact on lung surfactant proteins. She employs cutting-edge methodologies like neutron scattering and Raman spectroscopy in her research.

Professor Thompson’s work bridges environmental chemistry and biomedical applications, with a focus on understanding pollutant interactions at biological interfaces and their implications for health and atmospheric science.