Claira Johnson has spent her undergraduate years following big questions across disciplines, continents and millions of years of Earth's history. This spring, those efforts earned national recognition when she was named a Udall Scholar, one of the nation’s most prestigious scholarships for students committed to environmental research, leadership and public service.

Johnson, an Honors College student majoring in geology, is only the second University of Nevada, Reno student to receive the honor. Administered by the Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall Foundation, the scholarship recognizes college sophomores and juniors who demonstrate outstanding leadership, public service and commitment to environmental issues.

“Selection as a Udall Scholar is a remarkable achievement that speaks to her academic excellence and commitment to environmental research,” said Louisa Hope-Weeks, dean of the College of Science. “We are proud to see her work recognized at the national level and look forward to the impact she will continue to make.”

For Johnson, the award affirms a scholarly journey defined by curiosity and a desire to understand how environmental systems change over time. “My academic path has been about following questions across disciplines,” Johnson said. “I started out broadly interested in Earth systems and natural history, and over time that developed into a focus on geology, paleontology, archaeology and museum-based research.”

That curiosity has taken her from fossil collections and geology labs to field research in Ecuador, study abroad experiences in Costa Rica and preparations for archaeological fieldwork in Poland.

“A lot of my growth has come from saying yes to opportunities that pushed me outside my comfort zone,” Johnson said. “What has shaped me most is seeing how interconnected these fields are. Studying Earth’s history is not just about understanding the past. It is about using that record to better understand present and future environmental change.”

This past spring, Johnson was among the University's nominees for the Barry Goldwater Scholarship, recognized for her interdisciplinary research spanning tropical insect biodiversity change in Ecuador, Late Miocene paleoecology in Nevada, Triassic-Jurassic extinction boundaries and geochemical analysis.

Today, her research focuses on understanding how life responds to environmental change across deep time.

“My research focuses on using the geologic and fossil record to better understand environmental change across time,” Johnson said. “Whether I’m working with fossil bivalves from a mass extinction boundary, Miocene mammal fossils or biodiversity datasets from the Amazon, I’m interested in how life responds to changing climates and ecosystems.”

Her long-term goal is to conduct research that connects ancient environmental shifts to modern challenges facing biodiversity and ecosystems.

“I hope to contribute research that helps connect past environmental transitions to the challenges we are facing now and work to inform policymakers about best practices to improve the preservation of biodiversity on Earth,” she said.

Johnson’s interdisciplinary approach and intellectual curiosity have earned praise from faculty mentors across multiple disciplines.

“Claira combines independence, intellectual maturity and diverse interests in globally important problems, from integrating modern science with Indigenous knowledge to documenting insect declines,” said Lee Dyer, Foundation Professor of biology. “She is already working at a level that has set her up for a long and productive career in scientific research.”

Dyer’s assessment reflects the breadth of Johnson’s academic experiences, which have ranged from tropical biodiversity research and archaeological fieldwork preparation to paleontological research, museum collections work and climate-related Earth systems studies.

Johnson’s commitment to research extends well beyond the classroom. She has presented research at professional conferences, pursued independent projects and volunteered for paleontological fieldwork during academic breaks.

“She has gone above and beyond in advancing her education and research experience,” said Montana Hodges, assistant professor of geology at the University of Nevada, Lake Tahoe. “Most importantly, Claira displays all the qualities of someone who will be an exceptional researcher who contributes to the betterment of science and society.”

Her collaborative approach has also made her a valued contributor to research teams across the University.

“She is an outstanding, focused and accomplished individual, and we are so lucky to have her participate in our paleontological collaborations,” said Paula Noble, professor of geological sciences and engineering. “Claira has worked on projects involving both invertebrate and vertebrate fossils and has become a valued member of our research community.”

Johnson said the Udall application process itself became an important opportunity for reflection.

“The application process was definitely intense, but it forced me to step back and really think about the bigger picture of my work,” she said.

As she prepared essays and application materials, she began seeing connections among experiences that had once felt distinct.

“It made me connect experiences that had felt separate at the time, like rainforest biodiversity research, fossil preparation and museum curation, into a larger narrative about understanding environmental change through deep time,” Johnson said. “Beyond the application itself, the process helped me clarify my long-term goals and articulate why this work matters to me.”

Matt Means, dean of the Honors College, said Johnson’s achievement reflects both her exceptional talents and her willingness to pursue opportunities that challenge her.

“Claira Johnson epitomizes the very best qualities of the Honors College ethos: initiative, vision and persistence in the face of opportunity,” Means said. “I am grateful she has found fertile inspiration in the form of the Office of Undergraduate Fellowships staff, which is uniquely equipped to support, challenge, inspire and empower high-talent students.”

For Johnson, however, the significance of the Udall extends beyond personal recognition.

“The Udall represents recognition of work that connects environmental research with public impact,” she said. “To me, it is especially meaningful because my interests sit at the intersection of research, education and stewardship. It reflects the idea that understanding Earth’s history can directly inform how we respond to environmental challenges today.”

Johnson is currently completing the accelerated MS/BS program in geology at the University and plans to remain at Nevada to earn a master's degree before eventually pursuing a Ph.D. Her research interests include paleontology, paleoecology and climate-related Earth systems science.

She also hopes her experience encourages other students to pursue opportunities that might initially feel out of reach.

“I would encourage any student who is genuinely passionate about environmental research, policy or education to apply, even if they do not feel ‘ready,’” Johnson said. “I think a lot of students underestimate how valuable their experiences are. If you care deeply about a problem and are actively working to understand or address it, you should absolutely apply.”

As only the second Udall Scholar in University history, Johnson’s achievement marks a milestone not only for the University but also in the promising career of a young scientist committed to understanding the past in order to help shape a more sustainable future.