VCU sociology professor receives Joint Chiefs of Staff “highest-ranking” civilian award

By Mike Porter

Virginia Commonwealth University sociology professor Jennifer A. Johnson has received the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Joint Distinguished Civilian Service Award, the highest-ranking civilian service award under the approval of the chairman, for her work in support of the military.

Johnson worked for three years as a social network analyst at the Joint Warfare Analysis Center in Dahlgren, Va. During that time, she helped to develop a methodology for analyzing adversarial networks, examining how they function and interact.

“What she did was help us identify who the players are in terror networks,” said Robert Tolhurst, executive director of the Joint Warfare Analysis Center. Tolhurst presented the award to Johnson during a ceremony March 7 on the Monroe Park Campus.

“We feel good about letting others at VCU know about the work Jennifer is doing,” Tolhurst said. “And we are hoping to attract qualified students who can potentially serve as interns and ultimately work with us.”

Johnson also created a training program to teach the methods to others.

“This methodology is proving effective and innovative for the Department of Defense,” Johnson said. “It’s very important for me to know my contributions have made a difference.”

Robert D. Holsworth, Ph.D., acting dean of VCU’s College of Humanities and Sciences and director of the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs, presided over the ceremony.

Holsworth said Johnson has taken a lead role in applying her research in a way that is relevant to the issues society faces today.

“It is great for VCU to obtain this award,” Holsworth said. “And it demonstrates the extraordinary achievement of some of our youngest faculty members.”

Johnson was presented a framed citation, a gold medal and a lapel pin in recognition of her efforts.