Dr. Jessica M. Johnson is a Research Assistant Professor and Director of the Applied Cognitive Engineering and Simulation Lab (ACES Lab) for the Virginia Digital Maritime Center housed within Old Dominion University’s Office of Enterprise Research and Innovation. Her research expertise spans cognitive ergonomics and cognitive engineering, with a focus on the design, evaluation, and validation of simulation-based training technologies for K12 through industry (K-Gray).
Her work examines how people think, adapt, and collaborate in high-stakes, uncertain, and industrially complex environments, and how simulation and extended reality (XR) technologies can be engineered to better support decision-making, skill transfer, and human performance. She integrates joint cognitive systems, macrocognition, and human-autonomy teaming frameworks with advanced methods such as eye tracking, motion capture, physiological monitoring, and digital training twins to capture expertise and cognitive workload in training environments.
Dr. Johnson’s research strategy bridges foundational cognitive science and human factors psychology with applied research in domains such as maritime, manufacturing, skilled trades, and defense. She leads projects that explore the role of cognitive modeling, adaptive automation, and multimodal data analysis in creating the next generation of training systems. Her work not only addresses the challenges of expertise development and negative training effects but also informs the design of human-centered Industry 5.0 systems that emphasize resilience, adaptability, and collaboration between humans and intelligent technologies.
As Director of ACES Lab, she mentors undergraduate and graduate students, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations across academia, industry, and government. Her vision is to advance a long-term research portfolio that builds toward internationally recognized contributions in human performance, simulation design, and cognitive engineering research, with broad impact across workforce development, safety-critical training, and technology-enhanced learning systems.
M.S. Human Factors Psychology, *2025
Embry-Riddle Aeronautics University, Daytona Beach, FL
Ph.D. in Educational Psychology, 2022
Regent University, Virginia Beach, VA
Ed.S in Educational Psychology, 2020
Regent University, Virginia Beach, VA
M.Ed. in Educational Psychology, 2013
Edinboro University, Edinboro, PA
M.Ed. in Education/Curriculum Instruction, 2007
Regent University, Virginia Beach, VA
B.S. in Cognitive Psychology, 2005
Edinboro University, Edinboro, PA
Biofeedback/Neurofeedback and Psychophysiological Systems of Learner Attention Processes
While an undergraduate student enrolled at PennWest University, Dr. Johnson utilized instructional design principles to measure participants metacognitive processes in preservice educators.
Maritime Education Hub (Middle School and High School, future Elementary School modules)
Design and development of an open-source, interactive web platform to expose and engage regional middle schools and high school students and teachers in maritime exploration. Project is grounded in evidenced-based principles of learner experience design and learning sciences to engage students through modeling and simulation technologies for learning: online, interactive 360 environments, 3D models for complex and abstract concepts, hands-on projects featuring no technology and technology (3D printing, CNC, etc.). High school modules consist of student content to support the VDMC Digital Ship Challenge and teacher micro credential modules. All content is aligned to VDOE SOLs and CTE standards/competencies. Partnerships and collaborations through regional school divisions, Hampton Roads Workforce Council, Newport News Shipbuilding, and Virginia Ship Repair Association. Funded by Blue Forge Alliance, Submarine Industrial Base. New things added weekly!
ShipTech
In a partnership with Newport News Public Schools and Newport News Shipbuilding, building an immersive website pertaining to 10 key Digital shipbuilding areas to target maritime content, STEM careers, VDOE computer science standards, and real-world connections to the maritime industry. Project includes gamified and interactive simulations for users to explore.
· https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLv875k0OtNBT-bQ2tZscg2OtbhGENOjiq
Technology Enhanced Language Learning in Virtual Reality- K-12
Spaced repetition models for learning and training in virtual reality, designed specifically for language acquisition. Applied research on contextualized learning environments and cognitive load theory in language acquisition. Team is designing and deploying language learning modules in VR with a post-QA network system. Partnership with York County Schools. Funded by Department of Defense Education Activities (DoDEA).
Maritime Training Hub- Industry
Enhancement of current Maritime Trades Training skilled trades training courses to embed modeling and simulation technologies at regional community colleges and QED’S Center for Advanced Training. Courses include Pipefitting, Outside Machinist, Coatings, Ship Rigging, Math/Measurement, and more! Aspects of embedded research investigate the design of cognitive models of expertise and multimodal and multisensory models of simulation that can inform future designs of simulation-based training for skilled trades training. Funded by Go Virginia.
Marine Trades Training Pipefitter Simulations- Industry
Integrative modeling and simulation technology development for maritime training. Collaborated with the Virginia Ship Repair Association and Tidewater Community College’s Skilled Trades Academy to design and develop modeling and simulation technology tools to enhance the MTT Level 1 Pipefitter course. After analysis of content and curriculum, feedback from instructors, and students a gap emerged in the knowledge to skill transfer in reading/understanding 2D blueprints and the utilization of math/measurement in Pipefitting trade. A 3D model of a blueprint was designed and deployed. A 3D printed, hands-on mockup was designed and deployed. An augmented reality inspection app was designed and deployed for the instructor to inspect the physical mockup. An initial iteration of a virtual reality module was designed for immersive exploration of the 3D model. Applied research in the design of andragogical digital twins for training.
Maritime Trades Magnet- K-12
Assisting regional school divisions in connecting advanced manufacturing equipment to CTE courses and maritime careers. To date over 400 10th and 11th grade students have learned how to safely operate the 3D printers, desktop CNC machines, and robotics equipment provided to eleven schools in Newport News, Hampton, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, and Chesapeake. The team utilized schools’ CTE instructors integrating their feedback to design MTM online learning platform, resources, and aligned projects. Additionally, the MTM project has partnered with the New Horizons Regional Education Center, the Brooks Crossing Innovation Lab, and the City of Norfolk’s Parks and Recreation Department to offer summer programs. The project ended 2/29/2024. Additional funding was secured through Blue Forge Alliance.
Johnson, J.M. Assessing the Transfer of Macrocognitive Skills from VR Simulations to Real-World Maritime Environments. Proceedings of the International Conference on Cognition & Exploratory Learning in Digital Age. November 1-3. Porto, Portugal.
Johnson, J.M. The Role of Technology-Enhanced Simulation in Refining Learners’ Mental Models for Complex Decision Making. Proceedings of the International Conference on Cognition & Exploratory Learning in Digital Age. November 1-3. Porto, Portugal.
Johnson, J.M. Advancing Expertise Development Through Adaptive Human-AI Training. Proceedings of the 2025 Interservice/Industry Training Simulation and Education Conference. December 1-4. Orlando, Florida.
Johnson, J.M. Cognitive Task Analysis in the Age of AI. Proceedings of the 2025 ModSim World Conference. August 18-20, 2025. Norfolk, Virginia.
Johnson, J.M., Buczkowski, A., Cvijetic, B. “The Role of 3D Asset Design in Simulation-Based Cognitive Training”. Proceedings of the 2025 ModSim World Conference. August 18-20, 2025. Norfolk, Virginia.
Johnson, J. M., Connolly, A., Shull, J., Garcia, H. “Designing for Transfer: Developing a Skill-Based Simulation Using Learning Engineering Design Frameworks”. Proceedings of the 2025 ModSim World Conference. August 18-20, 2025. Norfolk, Virginia.
Johnson, J.M. “Macrocognition in Simulation-Based Training: Practical Applications of Learning Engineering in Complex Environments” Proceedings of the 2025 International Conference on Adaptive Instructional Systems and Human Computer Interaction International 2025. June 22-27, 2025.
Johnson, J.M., Stephenson, T., Shull, J., Kumm, A. “Integrating Knowledge Building in Virtual Reality: A Collaborative Learning Framework for Technology Enhanced Language Learning”. Proceedings of the 18th International Conference on Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning. June 10-13, 2025. Helsinki, Finland.
Smith-Mutegi, D., Johnson, J.M., Barnes, K., Morton, C., & Blount, I. “Deepening and Expanding a Research-Practice Collaborative on Informal Emerging Technology Learning in Counterspaces. Proceedings of the STEMS Symposium, O’ahu, Hawaii, June 24-25, 2025.
Johnson, J.M. Multimodal Simulation-Based Skilled Trades Training: An Integration of Learning Engineering Design Processes. Proceedings of the ICICLE 2024 Learning Engineering Conference, IEEE ICICLE, Tempe, AZ. July 22-24, 2024.
Ayaz, G., & Johnson, J.M. “Enhancing Maritime Trades Training Through Gamified Experiences and Interactive Technologies.” Proceedings of the 17th Annual Old Dominion University Modeling and Simulation Capstone Conference. April 11th, 2024.
Evans, Z., Johnson, J.M, Kumm, A., & Shull, J. “From Virtual Cities to Simulated Restaurants: A New Frontier for Collaborative Language Learning in Virtual Environments”. Proceedings of the 17th Annual Old Dominion University Modeling and Simulation Capstone Conference. April 11th, 2024.
Smith, K., Johnson, J.M, Ayaz, G., Horner, C. “Phased Framework for Automated Educational Content Curation.” Proceedings of the 13th International Conference on Education, Training, and Informatics. Orlando, FL. March 8-11, 2022.
Johnson, J.M., Smith, K., Dennis, T., Jimenez, G. “Adaptive Assessment Feedback in Competency Based Learning Ecosystems.” Proceedings of the Interservice Industry Training, Simulation & Education Conference. Orlando, FL. November 29-December 3, 2021.
Smith, K., Johnson, J.M, Dennis, T. “Leveraging Legacy Training in Modern Systems: Framework and Implementation.” Proceedings of the Interservice Industry Training, Simulation & Education Conference. Orlando, FL. November 29-December 3, 2021.
Smith, K., Johnson, J.M. “Uniting Modern Educational Communication Protocols with Traditional Educational Taxonomies.” Proceedings of the 2021 MSVE Student Capstone Conference. Old Dominion University, Suffolk, VA. April 22, 2021.
