Quick Facts
Biography
Tracy L. Johnson, is the Keith and Cecilia Terasaki Presidential Endowed Chair and Professor of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
In May 2020, she was named Dean of the UCLA Division of Life Sciences. Upon being appointed she said, "“These extraordinary times provide an opportunity for UCLA Life Sciences to exercise leadership in new and previously unimaginable ways...I am honored to be a steward of these incredible opportunities to build on a foundation of excellence as we move forward into an exciting future.”
Research
Johnson's research focuses on understanding RNA splicing and how regulating splicing allows cells to respond to their environment.Specifically, her group studies the spliceosome, a macromolecular "machine" made of five subunits that interacts with a pre-messenger RNA to produce an edited version, leading to appropriate translation into proteins.
Howard Hughes Medical Institute (UCLA-HHMI)
Johnson has also focused on developing programs to create transformative learning experiences for undergraduates including the UCLA-HHMI Pathways to Success Program. The program is a comprehensive strategy to provide students with an authentic research experience early in their academic careers. The program has three key components: (1) A research-based laboratory course, (2) a mentoring network that integrates peer and hierarchical mentoring, and (3) intensive learning communities.
Education
- Ph.D., Dept. of Molecular and Cell Biology UC Berkeley, Biochemistry And Molecular Biology
- Postdoc, California Institute of Technology, Biochemistry
- B.A., University of California, San Diego, Cell Biology And Biochemistry
Honors and awards
- Maria Rowena Ross Chair of Cell Biology and Biochemistry
- Associate Dean for Inclusive Excellence, UCLA Life Sciences (2015)
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Professor (2014)
- Chancellor's Associates Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching (2013)
- Jane Coffin Childs postdoctoral fellowship
- National Science Foundation (NSF) Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) (2006)