Jackie Johnson, associate professor in the Mechanical, Aerospace, and Biomedical Engineering (MABE) department at the University of Tennessee Space Institute (UTSI), was recognized at the 2014 College of Engineering (COE) Faculty and Staff Awards Dinner.  Johnson is one of four MABE professors to receive the 2014 COE Professional Promise in Research Award. The award was established to honor young faculty who are making significant contributions to the college’s research mission.  Her areas of research include nanoparticles in glass and nanoscience in medicine and biotechnology.

Johnson was recognized for her efforts to initiate new research projects with diverse aims by engaging resources at national laboratories and local universities, such as Vanderbilt, in areas outside her expertise.  Johnson further leads a team of students, consisting of UTSI engineers and a UT MBA student, in the Tennessee Venture Challenge.   The intent of this program is to educate students in the art of starting a small business and technology transfer.  In addition, Johnson has coordinated a summer intern program at UTSI that has proven beneficial in recruiting quality graduate students.