Corey M. Johnson

Corey M. Johnson is an Associate Professor at Samford University within the Howard College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. He joined Samford in 2012 after serving as an American Heart Association Research Fellow at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation and a Senior Research Fellow in Medicinal Chemistry at the University of Texas at Austin.

• BS, Chemistry, East Central University, 1998
• PhD, Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, 2004

Johnson's research focuses on the functional characterization of enzymes, particularly their kinetic mechanisms and catalytic pathways. His lab investigates Tetrahydrodipicolinate N-succinyltransferase (DapD) as a potential antibiotic target for bacterial lysine biosynthesis and explores industrial and environmental applications of laccase in wastewater pollutant degradation. Techniques include kinetic analysis, substrate specificity testing, pH dependence studies, inhibition assays, and mutation effects.

His recent work on laccase involves collaborative biosensor and biofuel cell development, reflecting a broader interest in applying enzymatic catalysis to environmental and industrial challenges. Publications highlight expertise in enzyme kinetics, mechanism elucidation, and therapeutic target identification.

• American Heart Association Research Fellow
• Senior Research Fellow in Medicinal Chemistry, University of Texas at Austin

Johnson's lab integrates molecular biology, protein purification, and spectroscopic methods to train students in essential biochemical techniques. He also emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and practical applications of enzymatic research.