Heather Ann Thompson is a distinguished historian and author specializing in American history, with a focus on social justice, prisons, and civil rights. She is acclaimed for her Pulitzer Prize-winning book "Blood in the Water: The Attica Prison Uprising of 1971 and Its Legacy," which offers a comprehensive analysis of the tragic event and its aftermath. Thompson is a professor of history and African American studies at the University of Michigan. Her scholarly work emphasizes the intersections of race, justice, and policy. Through her research and writing, Thompson continues to influence contemporary discussions on criminal justice reform and historical accountability.