Stacyann Nelson, assistant professor of physics and engineering physics at Morgan State University in Baltimore, has received the 2025 Joseph A. Johnson Award of Excellence, presented jointly by the American Institute of Physics and the National Society of Black Physicists.
The award’s namesake, Joseph A. Johnson, was a pioneering physicist, co-founder of the National Society of Black Physicists, and distinguished professor at historically Black Florida A&M University. He was the second-ever African American to earn a Ph.D. in physics from Yale University. Throughout his career, he mentored numerous Black doctoral students and helped expand opportunities for African Americans in the field. Now in its sixth year, the Joseph A. Johnson Award is presented to early-career experimental physicists who embody Dr. Johnson’s legacy of scientific innovation, mentorship, and service.
Dr. Nelson was recognized for her research examining dynamics in gold nuclei to better understand the fundamental properties of hadronic matter at high energies. Her work provides valuable insights into how matter behaves at its limits and offers clues to the state of the universe just moments after the Big Bang.
In addition to her scientific endeavors, Dr. Nelson is committed to mentoring the next generation of physics researchers. She currently serves as the advisor for Morgan State’s Society of Physics Students chapter.
“I am honored to have been selected for this prestigious award that connects me to Dr. Johnson’s scientific contributions and his passion and commitment to nurturing future generations of physicists, especially within the African American community,” said Dr. Nelson. “This award is a reminder that success is not only our personal achievements, but also those we uplift along the way.”
Dr. Nelson received her bachelor’s degree in physics and chemistry with a minor in education from the University of Technology in Jamaica, a master’s degree in physics from the University of the West Indies, and a doctorate in physics from Florida A&M University.
