Ashley Thompson
Ashley Thompson
B.A. Microbiology, Minor in Psychology, 2021
“From the moment I first toured Mississippi State University during recruitment events, I knew it was the place where I belonged and where I wanted to pursue my bachelor’s degree,” said Ashley Thompson, 2021 MSU graduate. “Every person I met was genuinely kind, welcoming, and eager to help, making me feel like part of the community long before I officially enrolled. That sense of authenticity and support never faded once I became a student.”
“I chose the College of Arts & Sciences because of its remarkable diversity of academic programs. I have always valued an interdisciplinary approach to education and discovering that I could integrate microbiology and psychology—essentially building my own path toward neuroscience while continuing to explore my passion for microbiology—was incredibly exciting,” said Thompson.
Mary Celeste Reese, director of MSU’s Dr. A. Randle and Marilyn W. White Healthcare Pathways Resource Center, and Hannah Coleman, MSU’s College of Arts & Sciences admissions coordinator, are mentors that played an influential role in Thompson’s time at MSU.
“They saw potential in me long before I saw it in myself, and their support slowly helped me believe that I had something meaningful to offer—not just as a student, but as a leader. Early on, I often doubted my ability to step into leadership roles, but with their guidance and steady reassurance, I began saying ‘yes’ to opportunities that both challenged and transformed me,” said Thompson.
Several other organizations and experiences played a key role, not only in her time at MSU but in the trajectory and shaping of her career. She founded an organization called Aspiring Minorities in Health Professions. Then, Thompson jumped into leadership positions, serving as vice president and then president of MSU’s student chapter of the American Society for Microbiology, as well as serving as the vice president of the College of Arts & Sciences Student Ambassadors. “Each role taught me, challenged me, and allowed me to connect with people whose passion inspired me. These experiences weren’t just résumé lines—they were moments that shaped how I saw myself and what I believed I was capable of becoming,” said Thomspon.
Thompson has experienced a challenging yet exciting and successful career journey after college filled with new opportunities.
“After graduating, I attended the University of Mississippi Medical Center for their Medical Laboratory Science program, where I earned my second bachelor’s degree and passed my board exam to become a certified Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS). I then used the skills I gained during my MLS training, along with the knowledge I obtained during my first bachelor’s degree at MSU, to apply to the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Neuroscience Ph.D. program. The Graduate Biomedical Sciences department at UAB values interdisciplinary backgrounds, and they recognized the strength of my experience in microbiology, psychology. and medical laboratory science. I am now in Dr. Farah Lubin’s lab studying the role of epigenetics in age-related dementia and cognitive decline,” said Thompson.
“The professional achievement I am most proud of is receiving an award for my research at the Evelyn McKnight Brain Institute Foundation Poster Session during the 2025 Society for Neuroscience conference—a moment that still feels almost unreal. Being recognized on such a prominent national stage, surrounded by some of the brightest and most inspiring minds in neuroscience, was incredibly validating.”
While Thompson was overjoyed to receive the award, she says it was the confidence that others had in her that made it possible for her to achieve this accomplishment. “The belief that Dr. Reese, Hannah, and my peers invested in me throughout my time at MSU played a pivotal role in helping me see my own potential. Their steady encouragement helped me trust in my abilities and step into opportunities I once felt too intimidated to pursue,” said Thompson.
Thompson said her CAS courses prepared her for life and a career after graduation by giving her the opportunity to explore interdisciplinary interests, challenged her to think critically, and taught her how to communicate effectively across fields, all of which have been essential in her Neuroscience Ph.D. training.
“Just as importantly, it gave me a community that pushed me, supported me, and taught me how to lead with humility, curiosity, and confidence. The lessons I learned there continue to guide how I approach every new opportunity—with courage, gratitude, and the determination to always put my best foot forward,” said Thompson.
Thompson currently lives in Birmingham, Alabama. She tries to visit her home in Mississippi as frequently as possible and enjoys spending time with her family. Her nephew and two of her younger cousins have played impactful roles in her life. She also loves having the chance to see her dog while at home. In her free time, Thompson enjoys crocheting, reading mystery books, as well as working in community outreach. She currently serves as one of the community outreach co-directors for the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Neuroscience Roadmap Scholars Program.
“Never give up,” Thompson said to today’s MSU students. “There will be moments when your path feels overwhelming or uncertain but try to stay grounded in your passions and remember why you began this journey in the first place. Lean on your support system—whether that’s friends, family, mentors, or the incredible resources available on campus. Ask for help when you need it, talk through the hard times with people you trust, and keep moving forward! You’re capable of so much more than you realize, and every challenge you overcome will shape you into someone even stronger.”