Alicia L. Johnson, Ph.D., is a civic science postdoctoral associate at the Baker Institute Center for Health and Biosciences and the Science and Technology Policy Program. The position is funded by the Rita Allen Foundation as part of their Civic Science Fellow program. Johnson works with Baker Institute fellow Kirstin R.W. Matthews on the ethical, legal and social implications of synthetic biology with a current focus on bacterial sensors and wastewater epidemiology. She is interested specifically in the public’s understanding of synthetic biology, concerns that could limit its implication and ways to improve equitable access for emerging biotechnologies. In addition, she is interested in the role of these biotechnologies in improving health disparities and precision medicine. Previously in her doctoral research, Johnson combined her interests in biochemistry, precision medicine, and health care access by studying biomarkers for epilepsy in the blood to identify unique molecular signatures associated with seizure severity in patients. She has also served as a guest lecturer and teaching assistant for science writing and research methods courses. Additionally, Johnson has prior experience as an editor, in tech transfer, and as a workshop leader with the National Science Policy Network, an early career science policy association. 

Johnson obtained a B.S. in chemistry from Northwest Missouri State University and a Ph.D. in biochemistry (molecular mechanisms of disease) from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Contact at aj101@rice.edu.