Michael Johnson

Michael Johnson is a Professor and Senior Honorary Research Fellow in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Western Australia. He holds academic qualifications including a BA from the University of California, a MSc from the University of Washington, and a PhD from Yale University. His research focuses on population genetics, evolutionary biology, and conservation genetics, particularly in land snails and marine organisms. Current projects include studying genetic adaptation in intertidal snails and the phylogenetics of endemic Western Australian land snails. Johnson has contributed to over 79 peer-reviewed articles, 6 datasets, and 16 grants, with a particular emphasis on genetic divergence, hybridization, and biodiversity conservation. His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals focused on environmental protection.

• Education:
  • Bachelor of Arts, University of California
  • Master of Science, University of Washington
  • Doctor of Philosophy, Yale University

Research Interests: Johnson’s expertise spans population genetics, conservation genetics, and evolutionary processes in snails. His studies explore genetic structure, hybridization dynamics, and adaptation in species such as Bembicium vittatum and Rhagada land snails. His work integrates molecular techniques with ecological and phylogenetic analyses to address questions about speciation, genetic diversity, and conservation strategies.

Articles Trends: Recent publications highlight themes like hybridization effects in marine gastropods, genetic divergence in coral populations, and phylogenetic re-evaluation of snail taxa. These studies underscore the interplay between genetic adaptation, environmental drivers, and evolutionary outcomes.

Grants & Supervision: Johnson has led or co-investigated 16 grants, including projects on snail phylogenetics, coral genetics, and rock lobster population structure. He has supervised three doctoral students, contributing to training in evolutionary and conservation genetics.

Labs & Teams: Collaborates with international and Australian research groups, including CSIRO and the Pilbara Iron Pty Ltd, focusing on biodiversity assessments and genetic resource management in Western Australia.