Rodney W Johnson

Rodney W Johnson is a Professor of Animal Sciences and Nutritional Sciences at the University of Illinois, serving as Associate Dean for Research and Director of the Illinois Agricultural Experiment Station within the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. His research focuses on neuroimmunology, particularly the interplay between immune responses, metabolic challenges, and neural dysfunction. Key areas include microglia activation, epigenetic regulation in developmental contexts, and the impact of viral infections like influenza on cognitive processes.

Johnson's work investigates mechanisms linking gut inflammation to neuroinflammation through the gut-brain axis, emphasizing roles of FFAR2 receptors and dietary interventions. He has pioneered studies on how maternal infections influence offspring brain development, with findings published in high-impact journals. His contributions have earned awards such as the Animal Growth and Development Award (2002) and the Bio-Serv Award in Experimental Animal Nutrition (2001).

He leads interdisciplinary teams exploring inflammatory pathways in neurodegenerative conditions and aging, with a focus on translational applications of dietary fibers and pharmacological agents to mitigate neuroinflammation. His lab integrates molecular biology, behavioral neuroscience, and systems biology approaches to understand stress-induced pathologies and develop therapeutic strategies.