Jena E. Johnson

Assistant Professor

Principal Investigator [CV]

I have long been fascinated by how the history and evolution of life on Earth are tied to the evolving climate and surface chemistry of our planet. I majored in Geobiology at Brown University and pursued a PhD in Geobiology at Caltech. My PhD investigated the evolution of photosynthesis and rise of atmospheric oxygen through the manganese mineral record. During the course of my thesis, I recognized the importance of performing laboratory experiments and studying field analogues in order to correctly interpret the rock record. I continued gaining expertise in linking aquatic chemistry with geomicrobiology in a postdoctoral position at the University of Colorado in Boulder. I began a faculty position in the Earth and Environmental Sciences department at U-Michigan in January, 2018.

Here at Michigan, I am focused on understanding how the evolution of life and environments are recorded in chemical signals safeguarded in the geologic record. We are working on projects to understand the potential geobiological signals hosted in chemical precipitates in the sedimentary record, and studying microbe-mineral interactions that could lead to the formation of these ancient geobiological signals.

Leanne Rossi

Lab Manager

Leanne joined the Microbe-Mineral Lab as lab manager in 2022 to continue pursuing her interests in biogeochemistry and oceanography. With a background in aquatic chemistry, Leanne is aiding in the research pursuits of the lab as part of her work as lab manager & research technician!