Michael D.L. Johnson awarded second year as BIO5 distinguished professor
An associate professor in immunobiology, Johnson continues his interdisciplinary research, collaboration and mentorship as the Keating Family BIO5 professor for a second year.
Using funds from the Keating Family BIO5 professorship, Michael D.L. Johnson (left) hired research professional Meredythe Durckel (right) to lead laboratory management and training.
Emilia Gazman, BIO5 Institute
Last year, Michael D.L. Johnson was the inaugural recipient of the Keating Family Endowed Professor for Interdisciplinary Research at the BIO5 Institute. Because of his interdisciplinary biosciences research excellence, collegiality, spirit of mentorship and engagement, and strong communication skills, BIO5 Institute director Jennifer Kehlet Barton renewed his distinguished professorship for an additional year, from July 2024 – July 2025.
“Michael Johnson exemplifies the values and mission of the BIO5 Institute through his groundbreaking interdisciplinary research and dedication to mentorship and collaboration. His work advances scientific knowledge and inspires and nurtures the next generation of scientists. We are thrilled to support his continued success and contributions to the scientific community,” said Barton.
Johnson is a deserving recipient; he leads a lab focused on weaponizing copper against bacteria, acts as associate dean for basic science research and graduate studies at the U of A College of Medicine — Tucson, and developed several workforce development programs, including the National Undergraduate Research Project (NSURP) and the BIO5 Postdoctoral Fellowship.
Funds from the distinguished professorship can be used to explore new research areas, purchase equipment, and support students and staff. Johnson elected to use the funds this past year for the latter. He hired a research professional to focus on laboratory management and training for incoming scientists.
“I wanted someone to specifically help me with building and disseminating the scientific culture of my lab,” said Johnson. “This position allows me to create an infrastructure of knowledge and training to better onboard individuals.”
Johnson hired Meredythe Durckel, a graduate from the applied biosciences program. She previously worked in the lab during her professional science master's at the U of A.
"One of my favorite things about Dr. Johnson — and why I chose him as my mentor for my master’s internship — was that he gives the freedom to make mistakes. He provides articles to develop a protocol yourself, test the parameters, and crank out data. That gives you a good mindset for troubleshooting,” said Durckel.
Johnson mentored Meredythe Durcke during her U of A graduate program, and now she passes on that mentorship and training to new researchers in the lab.
Emilia Gazman, BIO5 Institute
With her assistance this past year, Johnson estimates she’s trained almost a dozen people and assisted with multiple U of A collaborations with other BIO5 members, including Julie Ledford and George Sutphin in the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine at the College of Medicine - Tucson as well as Yin Chen in the R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy.
“My official position as research professional title sums it up well. I conduct research but also mentor and teach students the same way that I was taught by Dr. Johnson,” said Durckel.
Johnson is grateful he has capable researchers charged with scientific training in his group. The increased bandwidth helps him focus on grant writing to further expand his research. With the renewal of the BIO5 distinguished professorship for another year, Johnson will continue to fund Durckel’s position and grow the training infrastructure within his laboratory.
“Saying I'm grateful for this opportunity and support is an understatement. I am thankful for all the staff and leadership at the BIO5 Institute that always support my ideas and endeavors, as well as the Keating family,” said Johnson.