Jennifer Johnson Establishes Scholarship for Future Chemical Engineers

Jennifer Johnson, a 1998 graduate and warehouse performance director at PepsiCo, has launched a scholarship aimed at supporting graduate students in the chemical engineering program at Texas A&M University. This initiative reflects her commitment to fostering the next generation of engineers, particularly given her own journey as a first-generation college student.

Johnson’s inspiration to attend Texas A&M began during a summer camp on campus, which left a lasting impression on her. Balancing academic responsibilities with part-time work was a necessity for Johnson, who fondly remembers the pivotal support she received from faculty members during her senior year. “It was a struggle, so I reached out to Dr. Daniel T. Hansen to ask if he knew of any jobs that would be less disruptive,” she shared. Thanks to Dr. Hansen’s guidance, she secured a position at the Heat Transfer Research Institute, which allowed her to focus on her studies and ultimately achieve a perfect academic record.

Having experienced the financial challenges of higher education firsthand, Johnson is keenly aware of the burdens many students face. “I want to be able to help with some of the burden,” she expressed. Her hope is that this scholarship will not only alleviate financial pressures but also assist Texas A&M in attracting top-tier graduate students and fostering groundbreaking research initiatives.

Johnson’s connection to Aggie culture remains strong, as she continues to participate in university events. “I try to attend a football game or two per year; we take our RV to campus and tailgate with friends,” she remarked. Additionally, she serves on the chemical engineering advisory board, attending two meetings annually to provide valuable insights and support.

With over 25 years of experience at PepsiCo, Johnson has taken on a variety of roles, from project engineering to global network optimization across Latin America and IT transformation projects. “I am intrigued by doing things that haven’t been done before and using technology to work smarter, not harder,” she noted. Her career trajectory illustrates her commitment to innovation and her dedication to her alma mater.

Through her scholarship, Johnson aims to empower future graduate students in the chemical engineering department, aspiring for them to achieve the same success she found at Texas A&M. Her contribution not only reinforces her ties to the university but also exemplifies a broader commitment to education and mentorship in the field of engineering.