Casey Johnson, assistant professor in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences at the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM), has been named a 2025 McKnight Presidential Fellow. 

The award is one of the University of Minnesota’s highest honors for newly tenured faculty, recognizing exceptional scholarly accomplishments and leadership potential. Johnson’s award, along with his promotion to associate professorship, begins July 1.

Johnson is a biomedical researcher whose work focuses on improving how we diagnose, monitor, and treat musculoskeletal disorders—conditions that can cause long-term pain and disability. His lab uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to study joint diseases and injuries in both animals and humans, with the goal of developing more effective approaches for managing these conditions across species. By working collaboratively with clinicians and scientists across the health sciences, Johnson’s research bridges veterinary and human medicine to address complex health challenges with broad, real-world impact.

Since joining the CVM faculty in 2019, Johnson has contributed significantly to the college’s research mission through his integrative approach and commitment to mentoring emerging scientists.

"Casey Johnson is an asset to the College of Veterinary Medicine and to the University of Minnesota, and I'm thrilled that his achievements have been recognized with this award,” CVM Dean Laura Molgaard says. “His research continues to advance the cutting edge of how we use advanced imaging to manage disease, and his impact is magnified through his many productive collaborations and his deep commitment to mentorship.”

The McKnight Presidential Fellows Program is a three-year award given to the most promising individuals who have been granted both tenure and promotion to associate professor in an academic year. Recipients are recommended by their college dean and selected at the discretion of the executive vice president and provost based on excellence in research and scholarship, demonstrated leadership, potential to build top-tier programs, and ability to advance University of Minnesota priorities.