Donavon Johnson, PhD is an Assistant Professor of Public Policy and Administration at Florida International University (FIU) and a faculty member with the Jack D. Gordon Institute for Public Policy. His research sits at the intersection of public administration, emerging technology, cybersecurity, and governance, with a focus on how governments and public institutions respond to technological and societal change.
Dr. Johnson’s research examines citizen-state interactions, administrative burdens, bureaucratic decision-making, and the growing role of artificial intelligence in public service delivery. His broader research agenda explores cybersecurity governance, digital repression, cyber capacity building, and the political and institutional factors that shape national cybersecurity maturity.
Beyond academia, Dr. Johnson works with governments, international organizations, and industry partners on cybersecurity policy, workforce development, risk management, and institutional resilience. His work spans the United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean, where he regularly contributes as a speaker, moderator, facilitator, and advisor.
At FIU, he teaches courses spanning public administration, research methods, cybersecurity leadership, smart governance, and emerging technologies. Across his research, teaching, and professional engagement, his work emphasizes building public institutions that are effective, resilient, accountable, and responsive in an increasingly digital world.
