Will Johnson

Will joined the lab in 2023 as a PhD student after receiving his BS from UC Davis in Marine Science. He studies the dynamics that impact the stability, resilience, and recovery of kelp forest ecosystems. While in the Palumbi Lab, his research will focus on using genetic tools, such as environmental DNA, to expand our ability to monitor and ask ecological questions within kelp forests along the California coast. Prior to Stanford, he did research on the impact of shipping lanes on Southern resident killer whales and on the impacts of pesticides on larval green and white sturgeon. When not working or underwater, he loves to read fiction and work on his planted aquariums.