Kristy Johnson

Research Affiliate
  • Affective Computing

Kristy is a recent doctoral graduate from the Affective Computing research group at MIT where she works at the intersection of neuroscience, engineering, and autism. Kristy combines techniques from deep brain electrodes to non-invasive fMRI neuroimaging to wearable biosensors and HCI systems, developing a network of projects that translate findings from the lab to daily life. She seeks to systematically understand the interactions between the brain and the body in order to improve the lives of individuals with complex neurodevelopmental differences, especially those with nonverbal autism and intellectual disabilities. 

Kristy Johnson earned her B.S. summa cum laude with honors in physics from Dickinson College and her M.S. in physics from the University of Maryland. Her focus shifted to neurodevelopmental disorders after her son was born with a rare genetic disorder involving autism and profound global developmental delays. She is an MIT Hugh Hampton Young Fellow and MIT Media Lab Learning Innovation Fellow.