Robert Johns, Curriculum Vitae, April 2026
CONTACT INFORMATION
Email:rjohns003@gmail.com
Website: https://www.robertjohns-author.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-johns-826877106/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RobertJohnsAuthor/
EDUCATION
Master of Arts, English, University of Iowa, 1976
Master of Business Administration, University of Iowa, 1973
Bachelor of Science, Engineering Operations, Iowa State University, 1971
POSITIONS
St. Paul, Minnesota
Author of Fiction, 2019 – Present
University of Minnesota, Humphrey School of Public Affairs, Minneapolis, MN
Senior Fellow, 2016 – 2019
U.S. Department of Transportation, Cambridge, MA
Director, Volpe National Transportation Systems Center, 2009 – 2016
University of Minnesota, Center for Transportation Studies, Minneapolis, MN
Director, 2001 – 2009
Deputy Director, 1996 – 2001
Associate Director,1990 – 1996
Coordinator for Research, 1988 – 1990
Metropolitan Council of the Twin Cities Area, St. Paul, MN
Manager, Regional Data Center, 1985 – 1988
Minnesota Department of Transportation, St. Paul, MN
Director, Methods and Data Systems, 1982 – 1985
Director, Planning Methods, 1980 – 1982
Manager, Methods Analysis, 1978 – 1980
AWARDS AND HONORS
Robert C. Johns Research Partnership Award established by the University of Minnesota Center for Transportation Studies, awarded annually for impacts by an interdisciplinary research team, 2018
USDOT Secretary’s Partnering for Excellence Award for leadership in developing Secretary Anthony Foxx’s 30-year outlook on transportation, 2015
Distinguished Federal Executive of the Year award by the Greater Boston Federal Executive Board, 2015
USDOT Secretary’s Partnering for Excellence Award by f Secretary Ray LaHood or leadership in developing the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy’s Strategic Plan, 2012
University of Minnesota’s Richard P. Braun Distinguished Service Award, for outstanding leadership in research and innovation, 2012
Designated the honorary title of National Associate of the Council of the National Academy of Sciences to recognize extraordinary service on committees of the National Research Council, 2008
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS
Fiction
Johns, R.C. 2024. The Fighters: A Trilogy. River Grove Books of The Greenleaf Book Group, Austin, Texas. 312 pages
Johns, R.C. 2023. O’Brien’s Broken Play. River Grove Books of the Greenleaf Book Group, Austin Texas. 392 pages
Journal Articles:
Jette, A. and R.C. Johns. 2016. Signals from the Crowd: Strategic Management and Learning through Crowdsourcing. Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board 2568, 9-16
Segev, E., J. Chen, B. English, and R.C. Johns. 2014. The Impacts of Participatory Strategic Planning on Advancing Innovation at the Volpe Center. Transportation Research Record 2420, 45-54
Johns, R.C. 2003. Transportation Research Contributions to Society by University Transportation Centers. IATTS Review Vol. 27, No. 4, International Association of Traffic and Safety Sciences, 268-277
Research Reports and Proceedings:
Johns, R.C., G. Baas, and T. Helms. 2007. Project Delivery Work Force Management Review. NCHRP 20-07, Task 205, Transportation Research Board
Johns, R.C. and S. Lockwood. 2001. Summary of Eight Scanning Studies: Managing Change in State DOTs. NCHRP 20-24 (14), Transportation Research Board
Cavanaugh, P. and R.C. Johns. 2007. Politics and Freeways: U.S. Cases of Social Conflict and Institutional Adaptation. Proceedings of the Historical Symposium of the 23rd World Road Congress. Paris, France
MAJOR RESEARCH PROGRAMS
Johns, R.C. Strategic adviser to the Computer Science and Engineering Department for a three-year National Science Foundation grant on Smart and Connected Communities and to the Humphrey School’s Science, Technology, and Environmental Policy Area for a four-year National Science Foundation grant on Sustainable Healthy Cities. (2016 – 2019)
Johns, R.C. CTS director. “Study on the Role of Well-Designed Transportation Projects in Enhancing Communities.” American Institute of Architects. CTS coordinated research by faculty in Architecture, Civil Engineering, Regional Planning, Geography, and Landscape Architecture to carry out this interdisciplinary study. (2006-2008)
Johns, R.C. CTS director. “Access to Destinations Study.” Minnesota Department of Transportation, Hennepin County, and the McKnight Foundation. CTS coordinated research by faculty in Civil Engineering, Regional Planning, and Mechanical Engineering to carry out this interdisciplinary study. (2004-2009)
Johns, R.C. CTS director. “Transportation and Regional Growth Study.” Minnesota Department of Transportation, Minnesota Local Road Research Board, and Metropolitan Council. CTS coordinated research by faculty in Civil Engineering, Geography, Economics, and Urban and Regional Affairs for this interdisciplinary study. (1997-2003)
TEACHING – UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
Humphrey School graduate course: PA 5137-001 Project Management in the Public Arena, 2017-2019
Humphrey School graduate course: PA 5920-001 Project Management, 2016
Civil Engineering undergraduate course: CE 5703 Project Management,1992-1998
Civil Engineering: Guest Lecturer for transportation planning and engineering courses, 1990-2009
SELECTED PROFESSIONAL SERVICE AND OUTREACH
Transportation Research Board of the National Academies:
- Technical Activities Council Chair, oversight of 200 TRB committees, 2008 – 2011
- Committee for Strategic Highway Research Report to Congress, 2007 – 2008)
- Task Force on TRB Committee Reorganization, 2003 – 2004
- Steering Committee for Requirements for Spatial Information Infrastructure, 2001 – 2003
- Steering Committee for Sixth International Conference on Low Volume Roads, 1992 – 1995
Other Participation:
- Council of University Transportation Centers Executive Committee, 2007 – 2009
- Intelligent Transportation Systems Society of America Benefits Committee, 1991 – 199
- Urban and Regional Information Systems Association Transportation Group. 1990 – 1993