Dr. Janel Johnson is a distinguished Biologist with over 20 years of dedicated academic research focused on the genetics of Neuroscience, Oncology, and Immunology. She obtained her BA in Biology from The Johns Hopkins University in 1999, following which she conducted groundbreaking research at The Johns Hopkins University Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center. Here, she explored the selective cytotoxic effects of a tyrosine kinase inhibitor in a transgenic mouse model of acute myeloid leukemia. Transitioning to The National Institutes of Health (NIH), Dr. Johnson continued her impactful career, making significant contributions to the study of Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson's disease genetics. Sponsored by the NIH, she pursued her MPhil and PhD in Molecular Genetics at University College London, focusing on unraveling the genetic basis of Spinocerebellar Ataxia (SCA) and Childhood Motor Neuron Disease. Notably, her research elucidated that mutations in the Tau Tubulin Kinase 2 gene cause SCA Type 11, and she identified riboflavin transporter mutations as the underlying cause of Childhood Motor Neuron Disease, highlighting the potential for vitamin B2 supplementation as a therapeutic intervention. Furthering her postgraduate research at NIH, Dr. Johnson delved into investigating the genetics of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and related motor neuron disorders. Her seminal findings uncovered that mutations in genes such as Valosin Containing Protein, Matrin-3, and a serine palmitoyltransferase subunit contribute to the pathogenesis of ALS, shedding light on overlapping pathways and pleiotropic effects on other diseases. In addition to her extensive research endeavors, Dr. Johnson has made significant strides in HIV research at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, utilizing novel multiomics technologies to investigate interactions between the retrovirus and host cells. Her recent experience in immunology includes serving as a Patent Examiner for the United States Patent and Trademark Office, where she evaluated inventions for cancer immunotherapy. Dr. Johnson is widely recognized in the field of molecular genetics for her expertise and numerous scientific breakthroughs, contributing significantly to our understanding of complex disorders. She is deeply passionate about research and serves as a vocal advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in science and healthcare. Dr. Johnson's exceptional talent lies in her ability to effectively communicate scientific concepts to both experts and the general public. Her lifelong commitment is to achieve DEI for genetic populations that have been traditionally understudied.