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Home / Newsroom / JCU Biology Professor Jeffrey R. Johansen Receives PSA Award of Excellence

John Carroll University biology professor Jeffry R. Johansen has received national recognition for his commitment to inspiring young lives in and out of the classroom. Earlier this year, in August, Dr. Johansen received the Award of Excellence from the Phycological Society of America, the highest honor bestowed by the organization. 

 

The award recognizes Dr. Johansen’s scholarly achievements through teaching, service, and the profound impact he has made on the phycological community. In their announcement, the PSA commends his commitment to both teaching and research science. 

 

“Dr. Jeff Johansen was nominated by colleagues and former students and his selection was based on many factors by our review committee. Among the numerous, glowing accolades considered, it was noted that Jeff has maintained a strong and well-funded research program resulting in over 160 publications.”

 

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Dr. Johansesn (front, center) with students in both his undergraduate and graduate research programs.

Professor Johansen credits his success to his students and collaborators, which has led him to the cutting edge of research on cyanobacterial taxonomy, or the classification of new strains of algae. Some of that work has led to research on how these new strains could be used in developing pharmaceutical drugs. The results of this research have solidified Dr. Johansen’s reputation as one of the world’s foremost freshwater phycologists. 

 

Beyond his research accomplishments, Professor Johansen has served to promote phycology by training hundreds of students during his 34 years at John Carroll. Many of those students have continued onto their own research programs earning doctorate degrees and continuing their work in phycology. 

 

 

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Professor Johansen working with a student on algae research

Everyone knows universities conduct research, what is not as widely known is the impact of that research on students and their training - it is a significant component of our mission.

The quality of Dr. Johansen’s work, his reputation, curiosity and passion continue to bring new students and colleagues to John Carroll to continue his award-winning research on algae. Collaborators from as far as India, Brazil and Mexico are using his research for ongoing projects in their respective countries. "One of the most important things I do is help build the scientists of the future." says professor Johansen.

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Professor Johansen analyzing research results

If you are interested in learning more about Professor Johansen's research or the ongoing work in the university's biology department please visit https://jcu.edu/academics/biology.