Carla Thompson, or "Dr. T," is the director of the UC Davis Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) Schools Program. MESA is a national program that aims to serve and expose underrepresented, first-generation students to science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, opportunities at the middle and high school levels.

As the director, Thompson oversees 18-30 middle and high school MESA programs throughout the Sacramento region. She fosters various partnerships with non-profit organizations, industry guests and campus partners.

Prior to this role. Thompson served as a resident scientist in the Center for Science Outreach at Vanderbilt University. During her tenure at Vanderbilt, she developed and taught STEM courses for kindergarten through 12th grade students, led science standards training as well as conducted professional development workshops for teachers domestically and internationally.

Thompson’s goal to increase equity and broaden participation in STEM led her to dedicate over 15 years in STEM outreach. Her passion for inclusive education in STEM allows her to continue to grow as an educator and leader in STEM outreach.

She studied at Marquette University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering. She earned a Master of Science Degree in biomedical engineering from Wright State University and a Doctor of Engineering Degree in applied biomedical engineering from Cleveland State University, Cleveland Clinic.