Alicia Johnson

Alicia Johnson is a trained scientist and educator who uses her technical background to study the ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) of emerging biotechnologies. She is currently a postdoctoral fellow with the Science and Technology Policy Program at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy in Houston, Texas and a Fellow in Biotechnology Regulatory Policy at the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine. Before joining Rice as a Rita Allen Civic Science Fellow, Johnson earned a Ph.D. in biochemistry from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where she studied metabolism in drug-resistant epilepsy.

Johnson’s Rice research focuses on the regulatory and social implications of engineered bacteria in environmental applications. In addition to her ELSI work, she is interested in community engagement surrounding synthetic biology and building capacity for researchers to engage in communities and policy. Broadly, Johnson is interested in bridging the gaps between society, science, and policy to build biotech futures grounded trust, justice, and community needs.