Kevin Paul Johnson

Kevin Paul Johnson is a Principal Ornithologist at the Illinois Natural History Survey and an affiliate in the Department of Entomology at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. His research focuses on the coevolutionary dynamics between birds and their ectoparasitic lice, integrating micro- and macroevolutionary processes. He holds a PhD in Ecology (1997) from the University of Minnesota and a BS in Biology (1991) from Bethel College. Recent work includes studies on louse phylogeny, avian biogeography, and genomic adaptations in host-parasite systems.

Research Interests

• Host-parasite coevolution
• Phylogenetic analysis of lice
• Avian biogeography
• Genomic adaptations in parasites
• Metagenomic interactions
• Molecular systematics

Recent Research Trends: His 2025 publications emphasize integrative approaches combining phylogenetics, genomics, and biogeography across diverse systems—from Cretaceous bird-lice interactions to modern Columbidae-parasite dynamics. Key themes include adaptive radiation, host grooming behavior, and microbial symbiont diversity.

Collaborations: Active in international collaborations, with recent work involving institutions in the U.S., China, and Spain. His datasets are publicly archived at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.