Kristina Johnson, Former Ohio State President, Honored with Presidential Medal

WASHINGTON, D.C., USA — Former Ohio State president Kristina M. Johnson received a prestigious award this week.

Johnson was the recipient of the National Medal for Technology and Innovation during a ceremony in Washington D.C. on Friday. 

The award is given to individuals for their outstanding contributions to science in service to the United States.

She was honored with the award for her groundbreaking work in photonics, nanotechnology, and optoelectronics. Through her creative ideas, she has made significant contributions to the development of sustainable energy solutions and cutting-edge manufacturing technologies.

Arati Prabhakar, Ph. D., director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, presented Johnson with the medal.

She was joined by eight others who received the award.

Johnson served as the 16th president of the Ohio State University and stepped down in late 2022.