Pieter Johnson

 

Dr. Pieter Johnson is a disease ecologist who aims to understand the pervasive yet cryptic role of parasites in pathogens in ecological systems. He is currently a Distinguished Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Colorado, Boulder, where he has been since 2007. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, in 2006 and a B.S. from Stanford University in 1998. Dr. Johnson’s research focuses on two pervasive and inter-related forms of biological change: disease emergence and species invasions. Both have important consequences not only for individuals and populations, but for entire ecological communities and ecosystem processes.

 

His lab uses experiments, large-scale field surveys, and modeling to develop a mechanistic understanding of disease emergence as a prerequisite for intervention. He and his group have authored more than 200 peer-reviewed scientific articles, including high-profile papers in including papers in Science, Nature, PNAS, and Proceedings of the Royal Society. In recognition of his scientific contributions, Dr. Johnson is a recipient of the David and Lucile Packard Fellowship, a National Science Foundation CAREER Award, an ESA Early Career Fellowship, the George Mercer Award, the Henry Ward Medal, and the Hazel Barnes Prize.

 

By combining experiments, large-scale data, molecular tools and ecological modeling, Dr. Johnson’s lab brings a broad perspective to questions related to (i) biodiversity loss and disease emergence; (ii) interactions between invasions and habitat alteration; and (iii) the effects of extreme climate on wildlife conservation. All have immediate relevance to both fundamental questions in ecology and applied conservation issues, and results of his work have been featured in numerous media outlets including The New York Times, The Washington Post, National Geographic, BBC, Animal Planet, Discover, and National Public Radio. 

​

Presentation: Friday, October 3rd

​

​

​