Dr Johnson’s career spans several years of researching in the area of Biomedical Science. Her PhD project explored the underlying immune mechanisms involved in the development of immune pathologies associated with primary and secondary vasculitis (published manuscripts: Clin Exp Immunol 1997; 108:234-242. Clin Exp Immunol 1997; 111:98-105). Owing to her contributions to this area, she was commissioned to carry out a review of associated patent literature and intellectual property (ExpOpin in Therapeutic Patents. 2002 12 (10) 1517-1525.) and to present an educational article for Nature Encyclopaedia of Life Sciences. (Nature Publishing Group. 2003). Dr Johnson continued to work post-doctorally in the area of Biomedical Science contributing to an EU project with Professor Kingston Mills, (TCD, formerly NUIM) on DNA vaccines against influenza virus. (J of Gen Virol 2000, 81;1737-1745). Dr Johnson has also presented her findings at many national and international meetings and has participated in numerous research-support roles; She has acted as expert reviewer for the EU 5th Framework Control of Infectious Disease Programme and has attended and reviewed two mid-term EU 5th framework progress meetings at Epalinges University Campus Lausanne, and the Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome. Dr Johnson has also acted as research supervisor to a successful MD candidate and is currently supervising an additional PhD candidate and postgraduate Erasmus Training Programme student.

Viral Immunology particularly immune responses associated with respiratory viruses such as Human Parainfluenza Virus (HPIV), Influenza, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and Rhino Virus (RV). Viral subversion of immune responses and the induction of immune regulation. Role of anti-viral immune responses in the development of associated secondary conditions such as bacterial superinfections and asthma. Development of human cellular model systems to predict immune responses to viruses, viral vaccines and other therapeutic interventions.