Tom Johnson

University of Minnesota, Duluth
Swenson College of Science and Engineering
Large Lakes Observatory and Department of Geological Sciences
(218) 726-8128
tcj@d.umn.edu

Tom Johnson is Regents professor and founder of the Large Lakes Observatory at University of Minnesota Duluth. His research focuses on paleoclimatology, sedimentary processes in large lakes, and acoustic remote sensing of large lake basins.

In recent years his studies have taken him from the shores of Lake Superior to western Australia, the United Kingdom and the Rift Valley of East Africa.

Johnson’s goal as an IonE resident fellow is to bring together aquatic scientists, economists, social scientists, environmental attorneys, and marketing experts to create a plan for establishing an international institute on the shore of one of the great lakes of the East African Rift Valley, which provide fresh water, food, transportation, climate regulation, and beauty to local residents.

The institute will provide a venue for scholars and policymakers to collaborate in creating sound policy to sustain the lakes for future generations.

Tom Johnson

BEYOND THE BIO

  • Environmental Hero:
    Sigurd Olson; American author, environmentalist, and advocate for the protection of wilderness
  • Fascinating Fact:
    I had the most pathetic slap shot in our old man’s hockey league – truly legendary!
  • Favorite Read:
    Thesiger’s “Arabian Sands,” de Monfried’s “Hashish,”  Adiga’s “The White Tiger”
  • Interesting Experiences:
    Geophysical survey of Lake Turkana, Kenya before the days of GPS; a long bus ride in Burundi; captured in Zaire
  • Favorite quote:
    “It ain’t over ’til it’s over.”  (Yogi Berra, of course!)