Dr. Alyssa Thompson serves as a subject matter expert in post-quantum cryptography in the Research Directorate at the National Security Agency (NSA). As a researcher in the Cryptography for Cybersecurity Office, she develops new and innovative cryptographic designs and techniques in support of NSA’s cybersecurity mission. Dr. Thompson’s areas of expertise include post-quantum cryptography, the development of new standards, and the integration of cryptography into systems. She serves in a central role in numerous research projects and in the engagement of key collaborators.

Dr. Thompson has served in her role at NSA’s Research Directorate for eight years and was recently recognized with its prestigious Researcher of the Year Award for 2022. She is currently acting as a liaison to the Cryptographic Technology Group at the National Institute of Standards and Technology. From 2019-2021, she also served as a Technical Director for the Director’s Summer Program, a premier summer internship for the nation’s top undergraduate mathematics majors.

Prior to joining the agency in 2012, Dr. Thompson earned her Ph.D. in Mathematics from the University at Buffalo.