Mark Johnson, Ph.D.

About Me

I grew up in Bangor, Pennsylvania and attended Millersville University for my undergraduate degree.  I received my B.S. in Biology with a concentration in Environmental Science and a minor in Environmental Chemistry in May, 2015.  While at Millersville, I studied the morphology of grape seeds (Vitis) and compared them to inedible Vitis look-a-like seeds.  I also worked for the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture testing fruit trees for various viruses.  My research interests include ecology, botany, invasive species, and genetics.  At Texas Tech, I will be testing environmental DNA collected from air samples and using it to try to detect the presence of local, terrestrial (possibly invasive) plant species.  In the future, I would like to pursue my doctorate degree and work as a professor conducting my own research. My personal interests include kayaking, hiking, soccer, and football.