West Washington is proud to shine this Alumni Spotlight on CJ Johnston, a 2020 graduate who is making an incredible impact in the field of research and science.
CJ was recently selected as one of just eight student presenters for Regionals at the Rotunda, representing Indiana University Southeast at the Indiana Statehouse. The selection process is highly competitive, requiring students to submit a research abstract, a faculty recommendation, and a letter explaining their personal contribution and the project’s relevance to the state of Indiana.
CJ’s research focused on genetically characterizing a native Indiana plant species in partnership with the Indiana DNR. Working under geneticist Dr. Margaret Wallen, CJ combined her passion for plant biology and evolution with meaningful research that highlights the unique beauty and biodiversity of Indiana.
Read more about her recognition here: https://news.iu.edu/southeast/live/news/48887-regionals-at-the-rotunda-alexis-evans-and-cj
What This Recognition Meant:
CJ shared her excitement and what this meant to her to be selected as a senior: “I was selected as an honourable mention last year for some research I conducted on human behaviour, and to be selected this year as one of the main presenters really meant a lot to me for that reason. It showed me that I had stepped up my game as a researcher and that all my hard work had been recognized in a big way.”
Her Biggest Takeaway From This Experience:
One of CJ’s biggest takeaways is that hard work and support pay off. As she explained, “It really bolstered my confidence in myself, that I am capable of achieving my goals in the face of challenges that seem too big for me to tackle. I also learned the strength of community and the amount of support from others such as mentors and peers that goes into accomplishments like this. It made me even more grateful for the community I come from and the community that I'm currently a part of.”
Life After West Washington:
After graduating from West Washington in 2020, CJ has continued pursuing her passion for science and neuroscience. She describes, “My plans after I graduate in May are to take a year to build my resume with internships and job experience and then apply to graduate school programs for Fall of 2027. My top choice right now is Spalding University's PsyD program for forensic psychology, clinical psychology, or neuropsychology. I'm also going to apply to a few PhD programs around the country in fields related to biology and neuroscience. I'm passionate about a few different subjects, so I'm sure no matter what I'll end up doing what I love!”
The West Washington Impact:
CJ credits West Washington for preparing her well academically, especially in science. She stressed that the greatest impact came from the school’s supportive community, sharing the following: “The thing about West Washington that had the most impact on me was the community fostered by the faculty. All the teachers and staff were so kind and supportive, and there was a lot of encouragement to dream big. This was invaluable to me as someone who started out as a shy kid with little confidence. Having so many people believe in me from the very start was what shaped me into who I am today. The thing I remember the most about West Washington is how much fun I had. From playing in the pep band to building roller coasters for science class, I can't think of a time I wasn't having fun.”
CJ specifically highlighted the influence of Ms. Stahl, Mr. Harkness, Mr. Tankersley, and Mrs. Bowling for shaping her critical thinking, passion for science, courage, and curiosity.
A Word from Guidance Counselor Stacey Nance:
“I met CJ when she was a senior during my first year at West Washington. I was impressed by her eagerness to learn and her plans to explore the world. I love it when I come across our alumni ‘out in the wild’ and get a peek into their current lives. I was not surprised at all when I saw CJ featured by Indiana University Southeast for her research in genetics. Her dedication to the study of biology and neuroscience is going to have a big impact on our world. We are so proud to have a West Washington Senator making important contributions in the field of science!”
CJ reminds us that Indiana is a unique place, full of beauty to be explored, and sometimes the next big discovery is right in your own backyard.
West Washington is incredibly proud of you, CJ!
We are always looking for great news happening with our West Washington Alumni. If you have an idea for a future spotlight, email Keith Nance at nancek@wwcs.k12.in.us
