Education

Doctorate of Philosophy, Analytical Chemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, June 1999
Thesis: “Mechanistic Analysis of Chemical Vapor Deposition from Metal-Organic Precursors”, advisor: Dr. William S. Rees, Jr.

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, ACS-certified, University of West Florida, May 1994
Undergraduate Research: “The Effect of the Molecular Chaperone Alpha-Crystalline on UV-Induced Aggregation of Lens Proteins”, advisor: Dr. Robert F. Borkman, Georgia Institute of Technology.

Associate of Arts, Florida Community College at Jacksonville, May 1992.

Bio

Dr. Johnson is an analytical chemist who has been teaching at the University of South Carolina Lancaster since 2005. Prior to joining USCL, she worked for five years as a research chemist in the chemical industry. She teaches a wide range of courses, including introductory, general, forensic, organic, and analytical chemistry. Her research focuses on applying analytical chemistry tools to address questions in both chemistry and biology. Recent projects have included developing methods to analyze volatile organic scent compounds released by plants, flowers, and microorganisms, as well as creating innovative teaching experiments to engage students in chemistry. In addition to her teaching and research, Dr. Johnson is actively involved in community outreach projects that promote science education and inspire students of all ages. More recently, she has expanded her efforts into disability awareness, participating in the SC LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities) program and leading campus initiatives to raise awareness and foster inclusion for people of all abilities.

Honors and Awards                              

SC LEND Trainee Excellence Award, May 2025

Distinguished Teaching Award, USC Lancaster, April 2025

Chris P. Plyler Excellence in Service Award, University of South Carolina Palmetto College Campuses, 2024

Distinguished Research Service Award, University of South Carolina, 2019

John J. Duffy Excellence in Teaching Award, University of South Carolina Regional Campuses, 2013

Recent Publications

Obi Johnson, Bettie; Golonka, Annette M.; Emmanuel, Khalisha A.; Pannarasu, Jeffshan J.; Pryor, Joseph E. “Determination of Linalool in Essential Oils by SPME-GC-MS: Using the Internal Standard Method”. Journal of Chemical Education, 2022, 99, 917-923. 

Obi Johnson, Bettie; Golonka, Annette M.; Blackwell, Austin; Vazquez, Iver; Wolfram, Nigel. “Floral Scent Variation in the Heterostylous Species Gelsemium sempervirens”. Molecules, 2019, 24, 1-16.

Obi Johnson, B.; Blackwell, A.; Patel, M.; Robins, A. “Mystery of the Missing Medicine: Forensic Drug Identification of Pseudoephedrine in a Non-Science Majors Course”. Chem. Educator, 2018, 23, 112-118 

Golonka, Annette M.; Johnson, Bettie Obi; Freeman, Jonathan; Hinson, Daniel W. "Impact of Nectarivorous Yeasts on Silene caroliniana's Scent", Eastern Biologist, 2014, 3, 1-26.

Johnson, Bettie Obi; Burke, Fernanda M.; Harrison, Rebecca; Burdette, Samantha. “Quantitative Analysis of Bisphenol A Leached from Household Plastics by Solid–Phase Micro-Extraction and Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (SPME–GC–MS)”. J. Chem. Educ. 2012, 89, 1555 – 1560. 

Johnson, Bettie Obi; Burke, Fernanda; Burdette, Samantha. “Determination of Ethylene Glycol in Engine Coolants using Refractive Index” Chem. Educator, 2011, 16, 116-118. 

Johnson, Bettie Obi; Van Milligan, Henry. “How Heavy is a Balloon? Using the Ideal Gas Law”. J. Chem. Educ. 2009, 86, 224A – 224B.