Nikia C. Johnson

Nikia C. Johnson serves as a Forensic DNA Specialist on the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative Training and Technical Assistance (SAKI TTA) program, where she acts as a subject matter expert for SAKI grantees. She provides guidance on sexual assault kit inventory completion, evidence testing plans, DNA testing and analysis, the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), and the implementation of multidisciplinary responses to sexual assault.

Additionally, Ms. Johnson serves as a forensic biology subject matter expert for an international client. She conducts comprehensive reviews of documentation to identify gaps and areas for improvement; collaborates on the development of standard operating procedures (SOPs); supporting materials and training manuals; and provides expert analysis of DNA profiles and historical cases to assist in resolving legacy casework. 

Before joining RTI, Ms. Johnson accumulated 19 years of extensive experience in forensic science, holding various roles such as forensic serologist, forensic DNA analyst, human DNA scientist, training coordinator, and training manager. As a forensic practitioner, she specialized in analyzing evidence from sexual assault, homicide, and property crime cases. Throughout her career, Ms. Johnson has focused on enhancing forensic practices and training professionals in the field. Her exceptional contributions have been recognized with awards from the U.S. Department of Justice Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Columbia and the Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police Department.

In addition to her work, Ms. Johnson holds a professional membership at the International Society for Forensic Genetics and the Mid-Atlantic Association of Forensic Scientists.