Karla L. Thompson, PhD

I am a self-proclaimed "pharmacology phanatic." I am one of only a handful of pediatric hematologist-oncologists who is also board certified in Clinical Pharmacology. My passion for pharmacology has led me to a career in developmental therapeutics focused on seeking better, less-toxic treatments for children with childhood cancer. I lead UNC's participation in the Sunshine Project, an early phase clinical trials network for children with cancer and serve as a sub-principal investigator for the group. Working with Drs. Alexander and Gold, I have helped UNC secure a membership in the New Approaches to Neuroblastoma Therapy (NANT) Network and am looking forward to providing more treatment options and clinical trials opportunities to children who are battling recurrent and refractory cancers. My other passion is education.