description Kirk Johnson Overview
Kirk Johnson is an American paleobotanist who serves as the director of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. His research focuses on fossil plants and the study of extinction events, particularly the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary that marked the end of the dinosaur era. Johnson has conducted extensive fieldwork across multiple continents, contributing to our understanding of ancient ecosystems and climate change through the study of plant fossils from the Late Cretaceous and early Cenozoic periods.
help Kirk Johnson FAQ
What is Kirk Johnson's role at the Smithsonian?
Kirk Johnson is an American paleobotanist who serves as the Sant Director of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. He took on this leadership role to oversee one of the world's preeminent natural history institutions.
What does paleobotanist Kirk Johnson study?
His research primarily focuses on fossil plants and the study of ancient ecosystems, particularly looking at mass extinction events. He is highly regarded for his work on the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary, the geological layer that marks the end of the dinosaurs.
Has Kirk Johnson appeared on any television shows?
Yes, Johnson has been featured in several science documentaries to share his expertise on paleontology and extinction events. He notably co-hosted the PBS documentary series "Making North America" alongside evolutionary biologist Neil Shubin.
Where did Kirk Johnson work before joining the Smithsonian?
Before being appointed as the director of the Smithsonian in 2012, Johnson spent over two decades at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. He served as the Chief Curator and later the Vice President of Research and Collections there.
explore Explore More
Similar to Kirk Johnson
See all arrow_forward
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
