Crystal N. Johnson

Dr. Crystal N. Johnson is Associate Professor in the Department of Environmental Sciences at Louisiana State University's College of the Coast and Environment. Her research examines Vibrio ecology, environmental determinants of pathogenicity, and microbial water quality.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham (2004)
• B.S. in Cell and Molecular Biology, Tulane University (1997)

Dr. Johnson investigates how environmental parameters (temperature, salinity, turbidity) influence pathogenic Vibrio populations in coastal waters. Her work identifies genetic markers of virulence in Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio vulnificus, develops oyster safety protocols, and assesses wastewater treatment efficacy. Gulf of Mexico field studies analyze climate change impacts on pathogen dynamics.

Publications demonstrate consistent focus on pathogen-environment interactions, with applications in predictive modeling and public health protection. Recent studies characterize Chesapeake Bay Vibrios and suspension culture techniques for reducing oyster contamination.

Outreach includes the Summer Research Internship (SumRI) for high school students. Teaching covers environmental pollutants and molecular microbiology techniques. Laboratory facilities support microbial culturing, genetic analysis, and environmental sampling.