Special to UM News

Dean Leonidas G. Bachas, left, and Provost Thomas J. LeBlanc, right, present physicist Neil Johnson with his ACC Distinguished Lecturer award.

CORAL GABLES, Fla. (November 17, 2015) – Neil Johnson, professor of physics in the College of Arts and Sciences, has been named an Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Distinguished Lecturer for the 2015-2016 academic year.

“I’m very excited about being named a distinguished lecturer, as it presents a great opportunity to spread UM’s message about intellectual aspirations, while also building collaborations and providing an additional outlet when presenting my own research,” said Johnson.

Each year, five outstanding faculty members are chosen as an ACC Distinguished Lecturer and are invited to make special presentations by other ACC universities. As an ACC Distinguished Lecturer, Johnson will receive a research stipend and be invited to lecture at other ACC institutions. The collaboration across the ACC provides unique expertise to the host campuses and recognizes outstanding faculty in their fields of study, while also allowing for research collaborations and wider grant funding.

“Dr. Johnson’s expert knowledge in physics, his research in complex systems, and dedication to expanding the minds of our students have made him truly deserving of being recognized as an ACC Distinguished Lecturer,” said Leonidas G. Bachas, dean of the college.

The ACC Distinguished Lecturer program is now in its second year. The 2015-2016 Cohort includes Florida State, North Carolina State, Pittsburgh, Virginia Tech, and Miami.

“Dr. Johnson’s interdisciplinary research in physics and complexity allows for a variety of presentations and lecture opportunities at our partner institutions,” said Thomas J. LeBlanc, University provost and executive vice president. “The University is thrilled at the opportunity of having Dr. Johnson represent our entire research faculty as an ACC Distinguished Lecturer.”

LeBlanc selected Johnson as an ACC Distinguished Lecturer on Bachas’s recommendation. Johnson received his B.A. and M.A. at Cambridge University, and later completed his Ph.D. at Harvard University as a Kennedy Scholar. Prior to joining the UM faculty in 2007, Johnson was professor of physics at Oxford University.