Cassidy Johnson

Dr. Cassidy Johnson is an Assistant Teaching Professor of BioSciences at Rice University, where she contributes to the Biology discipline through innovative teaching and conservation efforts. A native Texan, she holds a B.S. and M.S. in Biology from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, followed by a Ph.D. in Biochemistry & Cell Biology from Rice University. Her career includes prior positions teaching biology and microbiology at Houston Community College, where she was a West Houston Institute Faculty Innovation Fellow developing experiential student learning opportunities, and as a Houston toad specialist at the Houston Zoo’s Department of Conservation and Science, focusing on ex situ conservation.

In her current role, Johnson teaches diverse courses such as immunology, experimental laboratory techniques, conservation biology, plant diversity, and lectures for the Glasscock School of Continuing Studies’ Master of Liberal Studies program. She designs classes incorporating authentic, course-based undergraduate research experiences (CURES) to foster connections between students and real-world environmental issues. Her academic interests encompass the restoration of Rice’s Harris Gully Natural Area (HGNA) in collaboration with the Arboretum Committee, Rice grounds team, Center for Sustainability, and others, aiming to establish it as a living laboratory for urban biodiversity and conservation. Additional projects include developing an eDNA probe for the endangered Houston toad (BIOS 211) and ecological restoration initiatives (BIOS 322, BIOS 399). Committed to local conservation for over a decade, she formerly presided over the Coastal Prairie Partnership, serves on the board of the Native Prairie Association of Texas, and partners with groups like the Coastal Prairie Conservancy, The Nature Conservancy-Texas, and the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center. Johnson maintains federal and state permits for an ambassador Houston toad named Julia, promoting public awareness through education and outreach activities under the motto “you can’t care about what you don’t know!”

Professional Email: cbj5145@rice.edu