Julya S. Johnson

Julya Johnson is a science writer and communications specialist in Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s Energy Science and Technology Directorate, where she communicates transportation research at the National Transportation Research Center. Her work includes developing stories and digital content about transportation research, supporting media outreach and social media, and helping researchers explain complex work to broad audiences. She covers topics including electric motors, advanced materials, fuels and engines, and mobility systems.

Before joining ORNL’s communications team, Julya was an information specialist focused on technical communications for the Department of Energy’s Biological and Environmental Research program. Earlier, she spent several years on air at WBIR and WATE, forecasting weather and reporting feature stories, including coverage of the 2011 tornado super outbreak. Her communications experience also includes healthcare communications in Sevierville following the 2016 Smokies wildfire and K–12 education marketing during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. Her honors include the 2024 ORNL Biosciences Division Distinguished Achievement Award for Team Excellence and an Award of Excellence from the Society for Technical Communication in January 2024.