Catherine Johnson

Dr. Catherine Johnson is the Robert H. Quenon Associate Professor of Mining & Explosives Engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology. She serves as Director of the Explosives Research Facility and Associate Director of the PRECISE-TBI Education Core for the VA Interagency Resource Center (I50). Her research focuses on shock physics, blast-induced traumatic brain injury (TBI), and mining safety.

• Education:
  • Ph.D. in Mining Engineering (Explosives Emphasis), University of Kentucky (2014)
  • M.Eng. in Mining and Quarry Engineering, University of Leeds (2012)
  • B.Eng. in Mining and Quarry Engineering, University of Leeds (2012)

Her research explores the adverse effects of high explosives and blasting agents, including coal dust explosions, air overpressure from quarry blasting, and shock wave injuries such as traumatic brain and lung injuries. She develops policy, training, and protective equipment improvements to mitigate these risks.

Recent publications highlight trends in blast wave propagation, TBI biomarker discovery, protective armor design, and explosive material characterization, with applications in neuroscience, materials science, and mining safety.

• Scientific Awards:
  • 2018 President’s Award, International Society of Explosives Engineers
  • 2018 Inaugural Member, University of Missouri System Presidential Engagement Fellows
  • 2019-2021, 2023 Mining Engineering Department Research Award
  • 2020, 2022 Department Teaching Award
  • 2021 Dean’s Scholar, College of Engineering and Computing
  • 2020-2021 University Research Award
  • 2023 Missouri S&T Woman of the Year

Dr. Johnson has graduated 6 PhD and 4 MS students and currently advises 10 PhD and 1 MS student. She has secured $11.7M in collaborative research funding and authored 39 peer-reviewed journal articles, 41 conference proceedings, and 3 book chapters.