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Derek Johnson is an associate professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. He previously served as a research assistant professor from 2013 to 2018. He conducts research on methane and other greenhouse gas emissions and the use of gaseous fuels to power internal combustion engines. He collaborates with fellow researchers from across the University and the Center for Alternative Fuels, Engines and Emissions. As part of these collaborations, Dr. Johnson has served as researcher, principal investigator or Co-PI on more than $20 million in externally funded research projects. He has published more than 30 journal articles and conference proceedings. He is also a Registered Professional Engineer in the state of West Virginia (PE 22704). He teaches Thermodynamics and Applied Thermodynamics along with Energy and Its Implications. 

Dr. Johnson is a West Virginia native having grown up in rural Monongalia County and he is a first-generation college graduate. He completed his BS, MS and PhD degrees in mechanical engineering from WVU in 2006, 2008 and 2012, respectively. While completing his PhD, he worked as a technical writer and curriculum developer at the National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium. He then worked briefly as an engineer at CONSOL Energy's Research and Development office in 2013 before returning to his alma mater as a faculty member.