During his career he has researched gentrification in Washington, D.C., food systems and food justice in Denver, and has been awarded a Professional Fellowship in Food Security by the U.S. Department of State. He has earned a teaching certification in hatha yoga and a permaculture design certificate. Most recently Dr. Thompson began an undergraduate minor in Community Food Systems within Regis University. This innovative academic program explores the social, economic and health implications of the dominant food system. Students study food production of Sister Gardens, a one-acre urban farm that has been built at 52nd and Federal Avenue. All the while students will be developing leadership skills to pursue a realistically sustainable future.