Michael D. L. Johnson

Michael D. L. Johnson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Immunobiology at the University of Arizona. He is affiliated with the BIO5 Institute, Valley Fever Center for Excellence, and Asthma & Airway Disease Research Center. Dr. Johnson also serves as Director of Graduate Studies for the Industrial Microbiology Track in the Applied Bioscience Program and as Director of the National Summer Undergraduate Research Project (NSURP).

He earned his B.A. from Duke University (2004) and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Biophysics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he studied calcium's role in bacterial motility under Matthew Redinbo. His postdoctoral training included work on Streptococcus pneumoniae with Jason Rosch at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and LC3-associated phagocytosis with Douglas Green.

Dr. Johnson’s research focuses on metals as critical nutrients in biological systems, particularly how bacteria maintain metal homeostasis during infections. His lab investigates metal processing, host-pathogen interactions, and therapeutic strategies targeting bacterial metal usage. Collaborations span immunology, respiratory disease, and public health initiatives.

Recent publications highlight trends in metal resistance mechanisms, oral microbiota, and antimicrobial development. His work on copper ionophores, tellurium resistance genes, and macrophage responses drives innovation in combating bacterial infections.

Scientific accolades include the Keystone Symposia Fellow (2016), Aspen Ideas Health Scholar (2015), Cell Press 100 Inspiring Black Scientists (2020), NIGMS Early Career Lecturer (2021), Duke Changemaker Award (2022), and ASM William A. Hinton Award (2022).

• Mentoring: Dr. Johnson leads NSURP and mentors in the Applied Bioscience Program, prioritizing diversity in STEM.
• Labs: The Johnson Lab (Medical Research Building, Room 221) explores bacterial metal interactions and their clinical implications.