Neil Johnson

Neil Johnson is a Senior Lecturer and Minerals Curator in the Department of Geosciences at Virginia Tech's College of Science. He specializes in mineralogy, geochemistry, and crystallography with a focus on copper minerals, zircon geochemistry, and acid mine drainage. His research integrates fieldwork, analytical techniques like X-ray diffraction and laser spectroscopy, and educational innovations in mineralogy teaching.

Education:

• Ph.D., Virginia Tech (1986)
• M.S., Virginia Tech (1983)
• B.S., Ohio State University (1980)

Research Interests: Dr. Johnson's work addresses mineral structure analysis, environmental remediation of mining sites, and educational tools for crystallography. His studies often involve collaborative approaches to understanding mineralogical processes in complex geological settings, such as ore deposits and glacial marine environments.

Publications Trend Analysis: His 35+ year career shows persistent focus on tetrahedrite structure systematics (1983–2024), acid mine drainage dynamics (2002–2010), and zircon geochemistry (2002–2007). His recent work emphasizes mineralogical classification challenges, while earlier research pioneered XRD simulation methods using accessible laboratory tools.

Advising & Grants: While no formal advisees are listed, his role as Minerals Curator indicates extensive mentorship in field and laboratory research. No specific grant details are provided in available texts.

Labs/Teams: Oversees the Department's mineral collection as Curator, supporting teaching and research activities in mineralogical analysis and ore geology.