# Christopher R. Johnson

> American computer scientist

**Wikidata**: [Q5113100](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q5113100)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christopher_R._Johnson)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/christopher-r-johnson

## Summary
Christopher R. Johnson is an American computer scientist born on January 17, 1960, in Kansas City. He is recognized for his contributions to scientific computing and visualization, serving as a researcher and faculty member at the University of Utah. His work has earned him several prestigious honors, including the Sidney Fernbach Award and the Charles Babbage Award.

## Biography
*   **Born:** January 17, 1960, in Kansas City
*   **Nationality:** United States
*   **Education:** University of Utah
*   **Known for:** Contributions to scientific computing and visualization
*   **Employer(s):** University of Utah
*   **Field(s):** Computer Science
*   **Spouse:** Katharine Coles
*   **Aliases:** Chris R. Johnson, Christopher Ray Johnson

## Contributions
Christopher R. Johnson's career is defined by his sustained contributions to the field of computer science, specifically within the industrial and service sectors. His work focuses on the theoretical foundations of information and computation, distinguishing him as a scientist who designs computational systems rather than solely applying them.

*   **Scientific Computing and Visualization:** Johnson was named a Fellow of the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM) in 2009 specifically for his "contributions to scientific computing and visualization." This indicates his primary research impact lies in developing algorithms and systems to solve complex scientific problems and visualize data.
*   **Academic Leadership:** He is associated with the University of Utah, where he received his education and serves as an employer/faculty member. His role involves educating the next generation of computer experts and conducting advanced research.
*   **Professional Service:** He has served the broader scientific community through his involvement with organizations such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).

## FAQs

**What is Christopher R. Johnson's educational background?**
Christopher R. Johnson attended the University of Utah. The source material indicates he was educated there and later became an employer at the same institution.

**What major awards has Christopher R. Johnson received?**
He has received multiple high-level awards, including the **Sidney Fernbach Award** (2013), the **Charles Babbage Award** (2012), and the **Presidential Young Investigator Award** (1994). He is also a Fellow of SIAM, IEEE, AAAS, and the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering.

**Who is Christopher R. Johnson married to?**
According to the structured biographical data, he is married to Katharine Coles.

**What is Christopher R. Johnson's specific field of study?**
He is a computer scientist. The field is formally classified under the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO-08) code 2511 and focuses on the theoretical foundations of information and computation.

## Why They Matter
Christopher R. Johnson represents the critical role of the computer scientist in bridging theoretical computation with practical scientific application. His recognition by the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics highlights the importance of his work in "scientific computing and visualization," a field that enables researchers to understand complex data through visual means and advanced simulation. By receiving the Charles Babbage Award and the Sidney Fernbach Award, he has been formally recognized by his peers for pushing the boundaries of high-performance computing. His dual role as a product of and a leader at the University of Utah underscores his lasting influence on academic research and the training of future scientists in the industrial and service sectors.

## Notable For
*   **Distinguished Fellowships:** Holding fellowships with four major organizations: the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (2009), the IEEE, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering.
*   **High-Performance Computing Honors:** Receiving the Sidney Fernbach Award in 2013, a prestigious honor in the field of high-performance computing.
*   **Babbage Award:** Winning the Charles Babbage Award in 2012, recognizing his contributions to computer science.
*   **Early Career Recognition:** Receiving the Presidential Young Investigator Award in 1994.
*   **Academic Tenure:** Maintaining a long-standing association with the University of Utah as both a student and faculty member/employer.

## Body

### Personal Background
Christopher Ray Johnson was born on January 17, 1960, in Kansas City. He is a male citizen of the United States and speaks English. He is also known by the aliases Chris R. Johnson and Christopher Ray Johnson. He is married to Katharine Coles.

### Academic and Professional Affiliation
Johnson's career is deeply rooted in the University of Utah. The provided data confirms he was "educated at" the university and lists the university as his "employer." This suggests a long-term professional relationship where he has transitioned from student to faculty or researcher. As a computer scientist, he operates within the industrial and service sectors, applying the theoretical foundations of information and computation to his work.

### Honors and Awards
Johnson has been the recipient of numerous prestigious awards and fellowships, highlighting his significant impact on the field of computer science:

*   **2013:** Recipient of the **Sidney Fernbach Award**.
*   **2012:** Recipient of the **Charles Babbage Award**.
*   **2009:** Named a **Fellow of the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM)** with the specific citation: "For contributions to scientific computing and visualization."
*   **1994:** Recipient of the **Presidential Young Investigator Award**.
*   **Additional Fellowships:** He is recognized as a Fellow of the **IEEE** (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers), the **American Association for the Advancement of Science**, and the **American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering**.

### Occupational Classification
As a computer scientist, Johnson's profession is formally classified under international standards. The role is listed under the ISCO-08 code 2511 and the Dewey Decimal Classification 004.092. His work involves the study and practice of computer science, focusing on the design of computational systems, which is distinct from the role of a computational scientist.

### Bibliographic and Authority Records
Johnson is indexed in numerous library and authority systems worldwide, confirming his standing as a notable academic figure:
*   **Library of Congress Authority ID:** no2013076082
*   **ISNI:** 0000000416847353
*   **VIAF ID:** 4319186
*   **DBLP Author ID:** 80/2990
*   **ACM Digital Library Author ID:** 81452608398
*   **Other IDs:** He holds identifiers in BIBSYS (5013328), NUKAT (n2006131618), the German National Library (GND), the National Library of Israel, WorldCat Entities, and the Canadiana Name Authority database.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. [Source](https://archive.unews.utah.edu/news_releases/u-director-awarded-charles-babbage-award/)
3. [Source](https://www.siam.org/prizes-recognition/fellows-program/all-siam-fellows?page=2)
4. [Source](https://www.computer.org/volunteering/awards/babbage)
5. [Source](https://www.siam.org/prizes-recognition/fellows-program/all-siam-fellows)
6. Virtual International Authority File
7. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File