Michael Johnson
About Michael Johnson
Michael Johnson is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Public Policy and Public Affairs at the University of Massachusetts Boston, where he has worked since 2007. He has authored and edited several significant publications in the field of operational research and community-based decision-making.
Work at UMass Boston
Michael Johnson has served as a Professor and Chair of the Department of Public Policy and Public Affairs at the University of Massachusetts Boston since 2007. He has held the position of department chair twice, first from September 2009 to January 2012 and again since January 2018. In addition to his administrative role, he directed the Public Policy Ph.D. program from September 2008 to May 2012, contributing to the development of public policy scholarship and education at the university.
Education and Expertise
Michael Johnson has an extensive educational background. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics, French, and Physics from Morehouse College, studying from 1982 to 1987. He then obtained a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology between 1985 and 1987. Johnson furthered his studies at the University of California, Berkeley, where he achieved a Master of Science in Operations Research from 1988 to 1990. He completed his academic journey with a Ph.D. in Operations Research from Northwestern University, studying from 1993 to 1997.
Publications and Contributions
Michael Johnson has made significant contributions to the field of operations research and public policy through his publications. He is the lead co-author of a special issue of the European Journal of Operational Research titled 'Community Operational Research: Innovations, Internationalization and Agenda-Setting Applications,' published in August 2018. Additionally, he edited the book 'Community-Based Operations Research: Decision Modeling for Local Impact and Diverse Populations,' published by Springer in 2011. He is also the lead author of 'Decision Science for Housing and Community Development: Localized and Evidence‐Based Responses to Distressed Housing and Blighted Communities,' published by John Wiley & Sons in 2016.
Professional Experience
Michael Johnson has accumulated extensive professional experience in academia and public policy. His role as a professor at the University of Massachusetts Boston has spanned over 17 years, during which he has engaged in teaching, research, and leadership within the Department of Public Policy and Public Affairs. His expertise in operations research and public policy has positioned him as a key figure in addressing community issues through evidence-based decision-making.