Paul C. Johnson is the 17th president of the Colorado School of Mines and Emeritus Professor of the School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment. Professor Johnson’s expertise is in soil and groundwater remediation and risk assessment. His work forms the basis for many widely applied technologies and regulatory guidance on risk assessment. His research group received the 2011 Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program Project of the Year Award.
Professor Johnson was the dean of the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering (2011-2015); the executive dean (2006-2011) of Fulton Schools and associate vice president for research for Arizona State University (2004-2006); and the associate dean for research for the Fulton Schools of Engineering (2002-2004). Under Professor Johnson's leadership, the Fulton Schools focused on improving student outcomes and promoting innovative programming and curricula. He established the “Fulton Difference,” which promotes learning beyond traditional coursework, nurtures entrepreneurs and relies on a strong peer-mentoring culture, and the philosophy that students are to be engineers from day one. Before joining ASU in 1994, he was a senior research engineer at the Shell Oil/Shell Chemical Westhollow Technology Center (1987-1994).
Professor Johnson is the co-author of 12. U.S. patents. He's served on the National Research Council Committee on Future Options of the Nation’s Subsurface Remediation Effort. He also served as the editor for the National Ground Water Association’s journal, Ground Water Monitoring and Remediation (2003-2011) and received the association’s Keith E. Anderson Award in 2011. In recognition of his contributions to the profession, he has received the 2006 AEHS Academic Career Recognition Award and the 2014 Lifetime Award in Remediation sponsored by Brown and Caldwell. In recognition of his contributions to education, Johnson was named Outstanding Educator of the Year by the Arizona Professional Engineers Society in 2011 and the Nathan Burbank Environmental Educator of the Year Award in 2014.
Education
Ph.D. Chemical Engineering, Princeton University
Master’s degree. Chemical Engineering, Princeton University
Bachelor’s degree. Chemical Engineering, University of California-Davis
Chemical fate and transport in the subsurface with application to soil and groundwater, monitoring, remediation, and risk assessment
Physical and chemical treatment, and bioremediation of soil and groundwater
Vapor intrusion from contaminated soils and groundwater to buildings and other enclosed spaces
Publications
Holton, C., Y. Guo, H. Luo, P. Dahlen, K. Gorder, E. Dettenmaier, and P.C. Johnson. 2015. Long-term Evaluation of the Controlled Pressure Method for the Assessment of the Vapor Intrusion Pathway. Environ. Sci. Technol. 49 (4), 2091–2098.
Hers, I., P. Jourabchi, M.A. Lahvis, P. Dahlen, H. Luo, P.C. Johnson, G.E. DeVaull, and K.U. Mayer. 2014. Evaluation of Seasonal Factors on Petroleum Hydrocarbon Vapor Biodegradation and Intrusion Potential in a Cold Climate. Ground Water Monitoring and Remediation. 34 (4). 60-78.
Cavanagh, B.A., P.C. Johnson, and E.J. Daniels. 2014. Reduction of Diffusive Emissions from a Dissolved Source in a Lower Permeability Layer by Sodium Persulfate Treatment. Environ. Sci. Technol. 48 (24). 14582–14589.
McAlary, T., H. Groenevelt, S. Seethapathy, P. Sacco, D. Crump, M. Tuday, B. Schumacher,H. Hayes, P. Johnson, and T. Górecki. 2014. Quantitative passive soil vapor sampling for VOCs- part 2: laboratory experiments. Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts. 16. 491-500.
McAlary, T., H. Groenevelt, P. Nicholson, S. Seethapathy, P. Sacco, D. Crump, M. Tuday, H. Hayes, B. Schumacher, P. Johnson, T. Górecki and I. Rivera-Duarte. 2014. Quantitative passive soil vapor sampling for VOCs- part 3: field experiments. Environ. Sci.: Processes Impacts. 16. 501-510.
Ekre, R., P.C. Johnson, B. Rittmann, and R. Krajmalnik-Brown. 2014. Method for Assessing Source Zone Natural Depletion at Chlorinated Aliphatic Spill Sites. Ground Water Monitoring and Remediation. doi: 10.1111/gwmr.12049.
Clifton, L.M., P. Dahlen, and P.C. Johnson. 2014. Effect of Dissolved Oxygen Manipulation on Diffusive Emissions from NAPL-Impacted Low Permeability Soil Layers. Environ. Sci. Technol. 48, 5127−5135.
Holton, C., H. Luo, P. Dahlen, K. Gorder, E. Dettenmaier, and P.C. Johnson. Temporal Variability of Indoor Air Concentrations under Natural Conditions in a House Overlying a Dilute Chlorinated Solvent Groundwater Plume. Environ. Sci. Technol (2013).
Luo, H., P.R. Dahlen, P.C. Johnson, T.R. Peargin. Proof-of-Concept Study of an Aerobic Vapor Migration Barrier Beneath a Building at at Petroleum Hydrocarbon-Impacted Site. Environ. Sci. Technol (2013).
Leeson, A., H.F. Stroo, and P.C. Johnson. Groundwater Remediation Today and Challenges and Opportunities for the Future. Groundwater (2012).
Stroo, H.F., A. Leeson., J.A. Marqusee, P.C. Johnson, C.H. Ward, M.C. Kavanagh, T.C. Sale, C.J. Newell, K.D. Pennell, C.A. LeBron, M. Unger. Chlorinated Ethene Source Remediation: Lessons Learned. Environ. Sci. Technol (2012).
Johnson, P.C., C.L. Bruce, K.D. Miller. A Practical Approach to the Design, Monitoring, and Optimization of In Situ MTBE Aerobic Biobarriers. Ground Water Monitoring and Remediation (2010).
Kingston, J.T, P.R. Dahlen, and P.C. Johnson. State of the Practice Review of In Situ Thermal Technologies. Ground Water Monitoring and Remediation (2010).
Lesser, L.E., P.C. Johnson, G.E. Spinnler, C.L. Bruce, and J.P. Salanitro. Spatial Variation in MTBE Biodegradation Activity of Aquifer Solids Samples Collected in the Vicinity of a Flow-Through Aerobic Biobarrier. Ground Water Monitoring and Remediation (2010).
Johnson, P.C., R.A. Ettinger, J.P. Kurtz, R. Bryan, and J.E. Kester. Empirical Assessment of Ground Water–to-Indoor Air Attenuation Factors for the CDOT-MTL Denver Site. Ground Water Monitoring and Remediation (2009).
Luo, H., P. Dahlen, P.C. Johnson, T. Peargin, and T. Creamer. Spatial Variability of Soil-Gas Concentrations near and beneath a Building Overlying Shallow Petroleum Hydrocarbon–Impacted Soils. Ground Water Monitoring and Remediation (2009).
McAlary, T. and P.C. Johnson. Vapor Intrusion. Ground Water Monitoring and Remediation (2009).
Lesser, L.E, P. C. Johnson, R. Aravena, G.E. Spinnler, C.L. Bruce, and J.P. Salanitro. An Evaluation of Compound-Specific Isotope Analyses for Assessing the Biodegradation of MTBE at Port Hueneme, CA. Environmental Science and Technology (2008).
Lundegard, P.D., P.C. Johnson, and P. Dahlen. Oxygen Transport from the Atmosphere to Soil Gas Beneath a Slab-on-Grade Foundation Overlying Petroleum-Impacted Soil. Environmental Science and Technology (2008).
Odencrantz, J.E., H. O’Neill, S.J. Steinmacher, J.D. Case, and P.C. Johnson. Residential Vapor Intrusion Evaluation: Long-Duration Passive Sampling vs. Short-Duration Active Sampling. Remediation (2008).
Xu, Y., L.A. Baker, and P.C. Johnson. Trends in Groundwater Nitrate Contamination in the Phoenix, Arizona, USA Region. Ground Water Monitoring and Remediation (2007).
Johnson, P.C., P.D. Lundegard, and Z. Liu. Source Zone Natural Attenuation at Petroleum Hydrocarbon Spill Sites – II: Application to Source Zones at a Former Oil Production Field. Ground Water Monitoring and Remediation (2006).
P.Lundegard, P.D., P.C. Johnson, and Z. Liu. Source Zone Natural Attenuation at Petroleum Hydrocarbon Spill Sites – I: Site-Specific Assessment Approach. Ground Water Monitoring and Remediation (2006).
Abreu, L. and P.C. Johnson. Effect of Vapor Source-Building Separation and Building Construction on Soil Vapor Intrusion as Studied with a Three-Dimensional Numerical Model. Environmental Science and Technology (2005).
Abreu, L. and P.C. Johnson. Modeling the Effect of Aerobic Biodegradation on Soil Vapor Intrusion into Buildings - Influence of Degradation Rate, Source Concentration, and Depth. Environmental Science and Technology (2005).
Research Activity
Johnson,Paul Carr*, Dahlen,Paul R, Johnson,Paul Carr*, Dahlen,Paul R, Halden,Rolf, Halden,Rolf, Kavazanjian,Edward, Krajmalnik-Brown,Rosa, Krajmalnik-Brown,Rosa, Rittmann,Bruce Edward, Torres,Cesar I, Westerhoff,Paul. The VI Diagnosis Tookit for Assessing Vapor Intrusion Pathways and Mitigating Impacts in Neighborhoods Overlying Dissolved Chlorinated Solvent Plumes. DOD-ESTCP(9/30/2015 - 9/30/2018).
Johnson,Paul Carr*. Performance Evaluation of In Situ Chemical Oxidation of Petroleum Impacts in Soil and Groundwater. EXXON-MOBIL CORP(8/1/2010 - 7/31/2011).
Johnson,Paul Carr*, Dahlen,Paul R. Assessing the Impact of Sub-Slab Ventilation Systems (SSVS) on Indoor Air Concentrations Resulting from Indoor Air Sources. Select Engr(7/1/2010 - 3/31/2011).
Johnson,Paul Carr*, Dahlen,Paul R. Improving Our Understanding of Dissolved Groundwater Plume Sources at Petroleum-Impacted Sites Through Physical Model Mathematical Model and Field-. CHEVRON ENERY & TECH. CORP(1/1/2010 - 12/31/2013).
Johnson,Paul Carr*, Dahlen,Paul R. Integrated Field-Scale Lab-Scale and Modeling Studies for Improving our Ability to Assess the Groundwater to Indoor Air Pathway at Chlorinated Solven. DOD-SERDP(9/29/2009 - 12/30/2014).
Johnson,Paul Carr*, Dahlen,Paul R. Assessment of Vapor Intrusion Processes in a Cold Climate. GOLDASSO(9/1/2009 - 12/31/2010).
Johnson,Paul Carr*, Krajmalnik-Brown,Rosa, Rittmann,Bruce Edward. Assessment of the Natural Attenuation of NAPL Source Zones and Post-Treatment NAPL Source Zone Residuals. DOD-ESTCP(8/20/2007 - 2/20/2013).
Johnson,Paul Carr*. Critical Evaluation of State of the In Situ Thermal Treatment Technologies for DNAPL Source Zone Treatment. BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE(4/8/2005 - 7/1/2008).
Mchenry,Albert L*, Alford,Terry Lynn, Alford,Terry Lynn, Allison,Maria Teresa, Allison,Maria Teresa, Castillo-Chavez,Carlos, Crouch,Peter Evans, De Los Santos Jr,Alfredo G, Diaz,Rodolfo Enrique, Francisco,Wilson Alex, Garcia,Antonio Agustin, Garcia-Pichel,Ferran, Glick,Milton D, Johnson,Paul Carr, Keller,Gary D, Menendez,Jose, Moore,Ana L, Page Jr,Robert Eugene, Peralta,Pedro D, Phillips,Elizabeth Deutsch, Rivera,Daniel E, Rodriguez,Armando A, Villalobos,Jesus R, Wheeler,Quentin Duane, Young,David A. More Graduate Education at Mountain States Alliance (MGEMSA) AGEP Phase II (2004-2009). NSF-EHR(3/1/2005 - 3/31/2015).
Razdan,Anshuman*, Razdan,Anshuman*, Arrowsmith,Ramon, Johnson,Paul Carr, Rowe,Jeremy. East Valley Water Forum. CITY OF MESA(1/11/2005 - 4/30/2006).
Johnson,Paul Carr*. Oxygen Distribution Technologies Evaluation. SHELL GLOBAL SOLUTIONS, INC(12/20/2004 - 5/30/2012).
Johnson,Paul Carr*. Prediction of Groundwater Quality Improvement Down-Gradient of In Situ Permeable Treatment Barriers and Fully Remediated Source Zones; ESTCP #CU-0320. DOD-NAVY(9/1/2004 - 3/31/2006).
Johnson,Paul Carr*. A Nomograph-Based Approach for the Selection of Semi-Site-Specific Atteneuation Factors for the Migration of Petroleum Fuel Vapors. CHEVRON ENERY & TECH. CORP(9/1/2004 - 6/30/2005).
Johnson,Paul Carr*. Bench-Scale Evaluation of Long-Term biosparging Effect on Ground Water Quality in Diluent Source Areas at the Guadalupe Resoration Project. Kreimes Associates, Inc(6/15/2004 - 9/15/2005).
Johnson,Paul Carr*. Computer Simulation of Subsurface Hydrocarbon Vapor Migration in the Vicinity of Homes and Buildings. British Petroleum-Amoco(1/1/2004 - 12/31/2004).
Johnson,Paul Carr*. Prediction of Improved-Quality Groundwater Migration Down-Gradient of In Situ Permeable Treatment Barriers. DOD-NAVY(9/1/2003 - 3/31/2006).
Anderson-Rowland,Mary Ruth*, Johnson,Paul Carr. COLLABORATIVE INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH COMMUNITY MARICOPA ENGINEERING TRANSITION SCHOLARS (CIRC/METS). NSF-EHR(8/15/2003 - 7/31/2009).
Johnson,Paul Carr*. INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES FOR ASSESSING AND TREATING IMPACTED AQUIFERS. DOD-NAVY(9/30/2002 - 6/30/2005).
Anderson-Rowland,Mary Ruth*, Johnson,Paul Carr, Roman,Doris. COLLABORATIVE INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH COMMUNITY (CIRC). NSF-EHR(9/15/2001 - 8/31/2007).
Johnson,Paul Carr*. RELEASE OF REGULATED SUBSTANCES FROM UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS TO GROUNDWATER IN ARIZONA. AZ DEPT OF ENVIRONMNT QUALITY(12/15/2000 - 2/5/2003).
Johnson,Paul Carr*. ASSESSING THE LONGEVITY OF HYDROCARBON RESIDUALS IN THE SUBSURFACE. RIO TINTO(9/1/1999 - 8/31/2003).
Johnson,Paul Carr*. IN SITU BIOREMEDIATION OF MTBE IN GROUNDWATER (PHASE II). DOD-NAVY-NFEC(8/30/1999 - 6/30/2003).
Johnson,Paul Carr*. DEMONSTRATION OF THE ENHANCED MTBE BIOREMEDIATION IN SITU PROCESS AT PORT HUENEME CA. EQUILON(8/1/1999 - 12/31/2004).
Westerhoff,Paul*, Johnson,Paul Carr. A ZERO-VALENT IRON TREATMENT PROCESS FOR REMOVING NITRATED PERCHLORATE FROM GROUNDWATER. AWWA RESEARCH FDN(10/15/1998 - 9/15/2001).
Johnson,Paul Carr*. VADOSE ZONE NATURAL ATTENUATION AND ITS IMPACT ON RISK ASSESSMENT. AMER PETROLEUM INSTITUTE(2/12/1997 - 8/30/2000).
Johnson,Paul Carr*. DIAGNOSTIC TOOLS FOR THE MONITORING AND OPTIMIZATION OF IN SITU AIR SPARGING SYSTEMS. AMER PETROLEUM INSTITUTE(1/1/1996 - 8/30/2000).
Johnson,Paul Carr*, Fox,Peter, Houston,Sandra L, Houston,William Newton. SAFE WELL MAINTENANCE TECHNOLOGY FOR DIRECT RECHARGE OF TERTIARY EFFLUENT. AZ DEPT OF WATER RESOURCES(11/6/1995 - 7/15/1997).
Johnson,Paul Carr*. IRON-INDUCED CHLORINATED HYDROCARBON DEGRADATION FOR AQUIFER RECHARGE. AZ DEPT OF WATER RESOURCES(10/7/1995 - 4/30/1997).
Johnson,Paul Carr*. REGIONAL WATER QUALITY SUPPLY. AZ DEPT OF WATER RESOURCES(9/15/1995 - 1/31/1997).
Johnson, P.C., Holton, C., H. Luo, Y. Guo, P. Dahlen, K. Gorder, E. Dettenmaier. Multi-Year Monitoring of a House Over a Dilute CHC Plume: Implications for Pathway Assessment Using Indoor Air Sampling and Forced Under-Pressurization Tests. USEPA Workshop on Addressing Regulatory Challenges in Vapor Intrusion: A State of the Science Update (Mar 2013).
Holton, C., H. Luo, Y. Guo, P. Dahlen, K. Gorder, E. Dettenmaier, P. C. Johnson. Evaluation of Selected Environmental Factors at a Vapor Intrusion Study Site. The 23nd Annual International Conference on Soil, Water, Energy and Air. San Diego, CA (Mar 2013).
Johnson, P.C., H. Luo, C. Holton, Y. Guo, P. Dahlen, K. Gorder, E. Dettenmaier. Vapor Intrusion Above a Dilute CHC Plume: Lessons-Learned from Two Years of Monitoring. AEHS 22nd Annual Meeting and West Coast Conference on Soils, Sediments, Water (Mar 2012).
Johnson, P.C., P. Dahlen, H. Luo, C. Holton, K. Gorder, E. Dettenmaier. Temporal Changes in VI Behavior: Considerations for Pathway Assessment. U. Washington/USEPA Superfund Research Center (Jun 2011).
Johnson, P.C. and E. Nichols. Measurement and Control of Subsurface Contaminant Discharge and Its Use in Decision-Making. REMTECH (May 2011).
Johnson, Paul. Subsurface Vapor to Indoor Air Pathway Assessment: Lessons-Learned and Challenges for the Future. 6th State of Washington Hydrology Symposium (May 2007).
Johnson, Paul, Abreu, L. Advances in the Modeling of Vapor Migration to Buildings. Annual International Conference on Soils, Sediments & Water
Johnson, Paul. Vapor Intrusion – Lessons Learned Through Numerical Simulation. 15th Annual AEHS Meeting and International Conference on Soils, Sediments & Water
Johnson, Paul. Field Studies of Oxygen and Hydrocarbon Vapor Transport Beneath and Around Buildings Located Over NAPL Sources. 16th Annual AEHS Meeting and International Conference on Soils, Sediments & Water
Service
Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, Dean (2011 - 2015)
Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering, Executive Dean (2006 - Present)
Ground Water Monitoring and Remediation, Editor-in-Chief (2003 - Present)
International Journal of Soil Contamination, Editorial Advisory Board, Member (1996 - Present)
Journal of Bioremediation, Associate Editor (1996 - Present)
Arizona State University, Associate Vice President (2004 - 2006)
Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering, Interim Dean (2006)
DOE SERDP Program, (2005)
CEAS, Associate Dean – Research (2003 - 2004)
CEAS, Interim Associate Dean – Research (2002 - 2003)
ADEQ Ground Water Study Working Group, Member (1999 - 2000)
CEAS Dean’s Personnel Advisory Committee, Member (1999 - 2000)
Arizona Water Quality Assurance Revolving Fund (WQARF) Advisory Panel, Governor Appointment (1997 - 2000)
CEAS Research Committee, Member (1998 - 1999)
CEE, Chair (1997 - 1999)
Groundwater Remediation Technologies Analysis Center, Guidance Committee, Member (1995 - 1998)
Advanced Applied Technology Demonstration Facility (DoD - AATDF) Program - Advisory Committee, Member (1994 - 1998)
Arizona Groundwater Clean-up Standards Task Force, Member (1996 - 1997)
CEE Faculty Search Committee, Chair (1996 - 1997)
American Society for Testing and Materials, Risk-Based Corrective Action for Superfund and Self-Directed Cleanups Task Group, Co-Chairman (1995 - 1997)
Department of Energy/Department of Defense - AATDF Program, Proposal Reviewer (1993 - 1997)
Arizona Department of Environmental Quality Director’s Advisory Panel on Soil Clean-up Standards, Member (1996)