21
March
2022
|
11:40 AM
America/New_York

Society for Science names President Johnson to list of notable alumni

List highlights professional accomplishments and lasting contributions to advancing science

Ohio State President Kristina M. Johnson has been named to the Society for Science’s Notable Alumni list.

In honor of the Society’s centennial, the organization unveiled a list of extraordinary alumni from the group’s Science Talent Search, International Science and Engineering Fair, and middle school STEM competition who embody the principles of leadership, innovation and global impact.

“I am honored to be among the prestigious members of the Society for Science’s Notable Alumni list,” Johnson said. “Research excellence is among our top priorities at Ohio State and we plan to double our expenditures over the next decade while also helping the next generation of teachers and students focused on innovation through our STEAMM Rising Columbus initiative – a collaboration with the City of Columbus, Columbus City Schools and Columbus State Community College.”

Johnson is an alumna of the 1975 International Science and Engineering Fair. Her project’s title was “Holographic Study of the Sporangiophore of Phycomyces.”

“It was an amazing experience. In 1975, I became fascinated by holograms — I just thought they were magic. Although holograms are everywhere now, at the time they were not that well known,” Johnson said in an interview with Maya Ajmera, president & CEO of Society for Science. “My project did well, and it was exciting. As a result, I think competing at ISEF gave me confidence and enthusiasm about science.”

In addition to Johnson, the centennial list includes noted scientists, leaders and celebrities including Stanford economics professor Heidi Williams, Academy-Award winning actress Natalie Portman and U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez from New York.

Portman competed in the 1999 Science Talent Search, the same year she would become famous for her role in “Star Wars: The Phantom Menace.” Ocasio-Cortez competed in the 2007 ISEF before turning her attention to politics.

Society for Science is dedicated to the achievement of young scientists in independent research and to public engagement in science. Established in 1921, the Society is a nonprofit with a mission to promote the understanding and appreciation of science and the role it plays in human advancement.

The organization hosts the Regeneron Science Talent Search, the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair and the Broadcom MASTERS.

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