Christopher Johnson
Assistant Professor
B.S. Chemistry, State University of New York, Fredonia, 2005
M.S. Biochemistry, Georgia State Univeristy, 2008
Ph.D. Chemistry, Georgia State University, 2012
Hand Lab 2238
CVTHE JOHNSON LABORATORY: From Atoms to Hearts to Health (AH2)
We study atoms to understand hearts and improve human health.
Christopher N. Johnson, Ph.D., Assistant Professor / Scientist
Dr. Johnson is a structural biologist that utilizes a multi-disciplinary approach to understand how calcium modifies the function of proteins in excitable cells such as ion channels. Working at the interface of science and medicine his work combines structural biology, biophysics and electrophysiology to understand how the intra cellular calcium sensing protein “Calmodulin” senses changes in calcium concentration and modifies protein-protein interactions. By developing a detailed understanding of structure (NMR), function (whole cell patch clamp), and timing (stopped-flow) we seek to: (1) understand mechanisms that govern physiology and genetically driven disease, (2) develop small molecule probes that test our models and (3) explore novel strategies for treating excitable cell diseases.
Fun Fact: Enjoys working on cars. Drives an antique Jeep.
Hobbies: cycling
Ryan B. Williams, Graduate Student Scientist
I’m from Madison Mississippi and graduated from Belhaven University with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. I’m currently wrapping up my master’s degree. After graduation this spring I will continue on with the Johnson Lab for my Ph.D. My training is focused on the biophysics (NMR spectroscopy and ITC) of protein-protein interactions and the effects of disease associated mutations. My long-term career goals are to complete my Ph.D. and attend medical school so I can work at the interface of science and medicine.
Fun fact: Loves horror films.
Hobbies: movies
Torien M. Beard, Graduate Student Scientist
I’m from Augusta Georgia and graduated from Valdosta State University with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. I’m currently working on my Ph.D. in the Johnson lab. My training is focused on the Structure Activity Relationship using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (SAR by NMR). This technique couple’s NMR and X-Ray crystallography to develop molecules that have high specificity and high affinity for proteins of interest.
Fun fact: Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.
Hobbies: Fitness, basketball, and video games
Taylor Agee, Undergraduate Student Scientist
Originally from Huntsville Alabama, I’m a senior at Mississippi State University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. After graduating this spring (2021) I will start my graduate studies and continue my working in the Johnson laboratory. My training will focus on CRISPR editing and working with pluripotent stem-cells with a goal of differentiating them into cardiomyocytes. My long-term goals are to complete my Ph.D. and work in a medical research field that has translational implications.
Fun fact: Member of the MSU dance team.
Hobbies: Running
Rita Fosuaa, Graduate Rotation Student Scientist
I am from Kumasi in the Ashanti region of Ghana and have completed a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). I am starting my graduate studies at Mississippi State University and rotating in the Johnson lab. Following this rotation, I would like to obtain training in stopped-flow and steady state fluorescent measurements as part of the Johnson laboratory. In 10 years, I’d like to be a research scientist in an academic lab or private company. I would like to work in the medical or healthcare industry where I can drive change and make an impact.
Fun fact: Loves to sing in the shower.
Hobbies: Reading, dancing and listen to music.
Md Nure Alam Afsar, Graduate Rotation Student Scientist
I am originally from Bangladesh. Following completion of my bachelors and master’s degrees (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology) at The University of Dhaka I obtained 5 years of research experience at The International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research. ICDDR, is an international health research organization dedicated to saving lives through research and treatment. I have recently enrolled and relocated to Mississippi State University to enhance my scientific skills. Following my rotation I would like to complete my Ph.D. by training in recombinant protein production and NMR spectroscopy as part of the Johnson laboratory. My long-term dream is to lead a structural biology research team within a pharmaceutical or biotech company.
Fun fact: Loves Cricket.
Hobbies: Hiking and traveling
Dr. Johnson’s office is currently being renovated with glass walls and sliding doors so it can serve as a data analysis room for his team of scientists.
The NMR Center at Mississippi State University is equipped with 600MHz (cryo-probe), 500MHz (sample jet) and 300MHz instruments. High field instruments (800MHz and 900MHz) are available for use through Dr. Johnson’s adjunct faculty appointment at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville TN.
