Katherine R. Johnson is a chemist in the Fuel Cycle Chemistry Technology Group at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). She holds a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Nevada, Reno (2020), and a B.S. in chemistry from the University of Tampa (2015).
Prior to joining the FCCT group in 2022, she worked in the Chemical Separations Group a Postdoctoral Research Associate with a focus on studying the structure-property relationship of bis-lactam-1,10-phenanthroline- and diglycolamide-based extractants for adjacent lanthanide extraction.
Dr. Johnson plays a key role in ongoing research for the separation and capture of volatile fission products and f-elements by developing analytical methods for gas adsorption operations and liquid analysis. Additional areas of expertise include the development of solvent extraction technologies and photoluminescence studies of coordination compounds.
Dr. Johnson also works on the CMI project 1.2.14 entitled “Enhanced separation of Critical Materials.” Her research involves testing novel ligands for efficient separation of rare earth elements (REEs) at the bench scale. The separation and purification of REEs, currently a difficult and expensive process in this industry, is an important as REEs play a crucial role in modern technologies such as medical imaging agents, lighting, batteries, and displays.
Apart from her research, she serves in the American Chemical Society as the Chair of the Younger Chemists Committee and the Chair of the Division of Professional Relations. Both groups seek to provide a community and resources for early-career and underrepresented scientist member.