Susan Johnston

Susan Johnston is a tenured Professor in the Department of Special Education at the University of Utah, where she has been affiliated since 1997. Prior to joining Utah, she served as an Assistant Professor at Eastern Michigan University (1997–2004). Her academic leadership roles include Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs (2004–2009), Director of International Initiatives (2009–2014), and Department Chair (2016–2020).

• Ph.D., Speech-Language Pathology, University of Minnesota (2004)
• M.S., Speech-Language Pathology, University of Minnesota (1997)
• B.A., University of Kansas (1998)

Dr. Johnston’s research focuses on augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), early language and literacy intervention, and early childhood special education. Her work addresses barriers to AAC adoption in rural communities, telepractice coaching for caregivers, and integrating AI into special education pedagogy. She emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, as seen in her Fulbright Specialist appointment (2024) and leadership in grants like Project IPEP (2022–2027) funded by the Department of Education.

Her publications span journals such as the Journal of Special Education Preparation, Augmentative and Alternative Communication, and Frontiers in Psychiatry. Key themes include inclusive curriculum design, positive behavior supports, and social validity of interventions. She has received multiple Faculty Teaching Awards (2001, 2013) and Technology Assisted Curriculum Awards (2009, 2012).

• Fulbright Specialist (2024)
• Grant's Academy Senior Scholar Cohort (2024)
• LEARNT Award (2024)
• Faculty Teaching Award (2001, 2013)
• Study Abroad Development Awards (Morocco, Peru)
• J. George Jones, Jr. & Velma Rife Jones Research Award (1998)

Dr. Johnston’s work bridges applied behavior analysis and developmental approaches to communication intervention. She has also explored the intersection of telepractice, early intervention, and caregiver training, with recent emphasis on AI integration in special education curricula.