About

Paul C. Johnson is a Professor of History and Afroamerican and African Studies at the University of Michigan. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Chicago in 1997. His research focuses on hybrid forms of agency in the Americas, particularly in Brazil and the Caribbean. His recent work, 'Automatic Religion: Near Human Agents of Brazil and France' (2021), explores the concepts of agency and humanness in relation to automatic action, examining figures in Brazil who are attributed with consequential agency but only operate automatically without will. These figures include a monkey, a mechanical chess-player, a slave become saint, a photograph, a possession priest, a psychiatric patient, a child-spirit, and a corpse, each representing different forms of near-human qualities and their relation to religious agency. Johnson's work addresses the question of what constitutes religious agency, especially in contexts where agency is mediated through extrahuman powers or automatic processes. He has also contributed to the study of secrecy in religions, law and the state, and diaspora religions, authoring books such as 'Secrets, Gossip and Gods' and 'Diaspora Conversions.' As an editor of the journal 'Comparative Studies in Society and History,' Johnson continues to influence interdisciplinary scholarship. His awards include the Antonio Cândido Prize for best humanities book on Brazil, a Guggenheim Fellowship, and the Wesley-Logan Prize for work on the African diaspora.

Research topics

• Political Science
• Computer Science
• Computer Security
• Sociology
• Telecommunications
• Simulation
• Chemistry
• Engineering
• Reliability engineering
• Geology
• Environmental science
• Law
• History
• Environmental engineering
• Medicine

Selected publications

• The IFS Deaton Review Panel

  Princeton University Press eBooks · 2026-03-05

  book-chapterOpen access1st authorCorresponding
  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• 414 | CT‐BASED BODY COMPOSITION IN PATIENTS WITH FOLLICULAR LYMPHOMA COMPARED WITH THE GENERAL POPULATION, AND ASSOCIATION BETWEEN BODY COMPOSITION AND LYMPHOMA OUTCOMES

  Hematological Oncology · 2025-06-01

  articleOpen access

  J. Ford, L. Mantz, F. Fintelmann, and J. D. Soumerai equally contributing author. Introduction: The body composition (BC; skeletal muscle, subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue) of patients (pts) with grade 1–3a/classic follicular lymphoma (cFL) is not defined. Given the long natural history of cFL and previous studies suggesting associations between body composition and lymphoma outcomes, we hypothesized that we would observe changes in BC over time between pts with cFL compared with the general population and that sex-specific BC changes would be associated with cFL outcomes. Methods: We identified 677 consecutive pts with cFL at Mass General Hospital from 1/2015 to 7/2022 using an IRB-approved registry, of whom 457 had computed tomography (CT) images available from initial diagnosis (Dx) for BC analyses (Dx Cohort), and 295 who received first-line systemic therapy (1LTx) for cFL and had pre-1LTx CT imaging for BC analysis (1LTx Cohort). We performed BC analysis (3rd lumbar vertebral level) using a validated and fully automated deep learning image analysis pipeline with manual quality control. Skeletal muscle index (SMI), and subcutaneous (SATI), visceral (VATI) and total adiposity indices (TATI), were quantified, and age-/sex-adjusted index z-scores (z-SMI, z-SATI, z-VATI, and z-TATI) were calculated using the Framingham Heart Study reference cohort. Time to Next Therapy (TTNT) was calculated from start of 1LTx until second-line treatment or death due to lymphoma. Cox regression models estimating hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for TTNT were adjusted for stage, nodal sites, hemoglobin, LDH (and age and sex in non-z-scores), with or without > 10% weight loss, and were grouped by sex. Results: Of 457 pts, median age was 61 (IQR, 52–70), 51% were women, 26% and 23% were FLIPI medium and high risk, 65% received 1LTx (70% chemoimmunotherapy, 25% CD20 antibody alone, and 5% other), and median follow-up was 72.1 mo. At Dx and Pre-1LTx, and for men and women, SMI, SATI, VATI and TATI were all lower than in the general population (Table 1). Among pts who were recommended initial surveillance prior to 1LTx, we observed statistically significant reductions in z-SATI, z-VATI, and z-TATI from Dx to Pre-1LTx in women, and in SMI and z-SMI in men. Among women who received 1LTx, greater VATI and z-VATI pre-1LTx were associated with prolonged TTNT, and these effects persisted after adjusting for > 10% pre-1LTx weight loss (Table 1). Among men who received 1LTx, greater SMI pre-1LTx was associated with prolonged TTNT, but not after adjusting for weight loss. Conclusion: Skeletal muscle, subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue measures were all significantly lower among pts with cFL at diagnosis when compared to an age- and sex-matched general population and further reduced in a sex-dependent manner prior to 1LTx (greater reduction in adipose tissue for women and skeletal muscle for men). Among pts who received 1LTx, greater VATI and SMI at pre-1LTx were associated with prolonged TTNT for women and men, respectively. Research funding declaration: J.D.S. is supported by the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health under award number [K08CA270202]. This work was made possible through the MGH Lymphoma Translational Research and Biobanking Collaborative supported by the Scott Nathan and Laura DeBonis Fund for Clinical Research (JSA). Keywords: non-Hodgkin; other; other imaging and early detection No potential sources of conflict of interest.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• 518 | COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY BODY COMPOSITION IN A PROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY OF OLDER ADULTS WITH AGGRESSIVE LYMPHOMAS: ASSOCIATION WITH SURVIVAL, TOXICITY, AND HEALTHCARE USE

  Hematological Oncology · 2025-06-01

  articleOpen access1st authorCorresponding

  P. C. Johnson and L. Mantz equally contributing author. Background: Aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma (aNHL) is common in older adults. Muscle and adipose tissue quantified on computed tomography (CT) is associated with outcomes in solid tumor malignancies. We sought to evaluate the association of body composition with aNHL outcomes. Methods: We conducted a longitudinal prospective study of 105 adults age ≥ 65 years with aNHL receiving chemoimmunotherapy at two academic centers and their community affiliates from 9/2020 to 1/2023. We performed body composition analysis on pre-treatment CTs (diagnostic if available, attenuation correction if not) at the third lumbar vertebral level using a validated fully automated deep learning image analysis pipeline and manual quality control. We derived skeletal muscle index (SMI), subcutaneous adipose tissue index (SATI), and visceral adipose tissue index (VATI) by dividing the respective quantified cross-sectional area [cm2] by the patient's height [m] squared. We calculated corresponding age- and sex-adjusted z-scores in reference to Framingham Heart Study participants without cancer. Study outcomes included overall survival (OS, time from treatment start to death), unplanned hospitalizations within 6 months of therapy start, grade 3+ nonhematologic toxicity, and quality of life (QOL) decline (death or decrease in FACT-Lymphoma ≥ minimally important difference). We conducted univariate logistic regression for categorical outcomes and Cox regression for time-to-event outcomes. We conducted multivariable logistic regression for grade 3+ toxicity and multivariable Cox regression for OS, controlling for international prognostic index (IPI). Results: 87 patients (median age 73 years, range: 65–99, 39% ≥ 75; 67% male) had imaging available for analysis. The majority had diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (72%). Most (62%) had an IPI of 3–5, and 82% had an ECOG performance status of 0–1. The most common treatments were RCHOP (62%) followed by R-mini-CHOP (14%). 1-year OS was 93%; 31% experienced grade 3+ toxicity, and 37% had unplanned hospitalization. In univariate analyses, higher SATI z-score was associated with higher odds of grade 3+ toxicity (odds ratio [OR] 1.77, p < 0.01) and unplanned hospitalization (OR 1.67, p = 0.01), and numerically higher QOL decline (OR 1.58, p = 0.06). Higher VATI z-score was not statistically associated with outcomes. Higher SMI z-score was associated with better OS (HR 0.47, p = 0.04) and numerically less QOL decline (OR = 0.52, p = 0.07). In multivariable analyses, higher SMI z-score (HR 0.50, p = 0.05) was associated with better OS, whereas higher SATI z-score (OR 1.89, p < 0.01) was associated with higher odds of grade 3+ toxicity. Conclusion: In patients with aNHL, skeletal muscle and adipose tissue on baseline CT is associated with OS and toxicity despite controlling for traditional prognostic factors, underscoring the potential use of body composition analysis in clinical practice as a tool to identify those at higher risk of poor outcomes. Research funding declaration: Lymphoma Research Foundation Keywords: non-Hodgkin; other imaging and early detection; diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers Potential sources of conflict of interest: P. C. Johnson Consultant or advisory role: ADC Therapeutics, Abbvie, AstraZeneca, BMS, Seagen, Incyte Other remuneration: Research-AstraZeneca, Novartis, Medically Home R. A. Newcomb Consultant or advisory role: Sanofi, Abbvie Stock ownership: Vertex (spousal equity) Other remuneration: Research-Incyte F. J. Fintelmann Consultant or advisory role: Boston Scientific, Varian, and BD Other remuneration: Related patent

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• The Language of Secrecy

  Oxford University Press eBooks · 2025-01-23

  book-chapter1st authorCorresponding

  Abstract Secrecy and graded access to knowledge are key dimensions of many forms of ritual. Secrets are rarely revealed as denotative content, however. More often secrets are referred to obliquely, spoken about, hinted at, referred to in coded terms, or couched in esoteric or other forms of non-vernacular speech. Secrets may also be described in locative terms both spatial and temporal—the secret is “in that room,” or from another time. The chapter considers how secrets entail constant linguistic deferrals and displacements in ritual contexts, and how secrets are at once a part of language and made by language.

  PublisherDOI

• 324 | RAPID RAMP‐UP DOSING OF BI‐SPECIFIC ANTIBODIES IN RELAPSED OR REFRACTORY LARGE B‐CELL LYMPHOMA

  Hematological Oncology · 2025-06-01

  articleOpen access

  Introduction: The CD3/CD20 BsAb epcoritamab and glofitamab are FDA approved for treating R/R LBCL. Their dosing involves weekly ramp-up to reach full dose at the 3rd dose. For patients with aggressive disease, it is appealing to ramp up BsAb faster to reach full dose. We conducted a retrospective study to explore the feasibility of rapid ramp-up of BsAb. Methods: Patients with R/R LBCL who received epcoritamab or glofitamab with a rapid ramp-up schedule (e.g., aiming to ramp up every 2–4 days) in routine practice were included. Baseline characteristics, BsAb treatment details, adverse events, and treatment responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Survival outcomes were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier method. Results: 38 patients were included, 18 (47%) were female. At diagnosis, 21 (55%) had DLBCL, 9 (24%) had transformed DLBCL, and 8 (21%) had double hit lymphoma. 29 (76%) had primary refractory disease (n = 16) or early (< 12 months) relapse (n = 13). 24 (63%) had prior CAR T-cell therapy. Median number of prior lines of therapy was 3 (range 2–9), and 21 of 35 (60%) were refractory to last line of therapy before BsAb. At BsAb start, the median age was 67 (range 31–84), 13 of 36 (36%) had an ECOG PS ≥ 2, 30 of 37 (81%) had stage III-IV, 11 of 37 (30%) had > 1 extranodal site, 29 (76%) had LDH elevation, 19 of 35 (54%) had bulky disease (≥ 5 cm; ≥ 10 cm in 6 of 35 [17%]), and 6 (16%) had known CNS involvement. 26 patients received epcoritamab and 12 received glofitamab (11 received pre-dose obinutuzumab, 2–6 [median 3] days prior). One patient had standard ramp-up between 1st and 2nd doses (7 days) followed by rapid ramp-up to 3rd dose (2 days). 37 patients had rapid ramp-up between 1st and 2nd doses (2–4 days, median 3), among whom 28 also had rapid ramp-up between 2nd and 3rd doses (2–4 days, median 3), 7 had standard (or close to standard) ramp-up (5–7 days, median 6), and 2 did not receive a 3rd dose (1 due to death from infections and 1 due to ICANS and CNS involvement). The median time to reach full dose (n = 36) was 7 days (range 4–11). Rates of CRS and ICANS during ramp-up are shown in the Table. Overall, the rate of CRS was 42.1% (2.6% grade 3) and the rate of ICANS was 13.2% (7.9% grade 3). No CRS or ICANS was observed with the 4th dose (2nd full dose, n = 28). After a median follow-up of 5.7 months (95% CI: 5.1–10.3), 12 patients were still on BsAb. Response was evaluable in 31 patients, and the ORR was 48.4%, with 19.4% CR and 29.0% PR. The rate of continued response was 69.6% (95% CI: 48.7–99.6) at 3 months and 44.8% (95% CI: 21.5–93.3) at 6 months. The 3-month and 6-month PFS rates were 42.7% (95% CI: 28.6–63.6) and 28.0% (95% CI: 15.7–49.9), respectively, and the 3-month and 6-month OS rates were 65.5% (95% CI: 51.4–83.4) and 54.4% (95% CI: 39.5–75.0), respectively. Conclusions: BsAb rapid ramp-up appears feasible in patients with R/R LBCL, with similar CRS and ICANS rates and treatment responses compared to other real-world datasets. Research funding declaration: None Encore Abstract: ASCO 2025; EHA 2025 Keyword: aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma Potential sources of conflict of interest: Y. Wang Consultant or advisory role: Advisory board (compensation to institution): Eli Lilly, LOXO Oncology, TG Therapeutics, Incyte, InnoCare, Kite, Jansen, BeiGene, AstraZeneca, Genmab, AbbVie; Consultancy (compensation to institution): InnoCare, AbbVie Honoraria: Honorarium (to institution): Kite Other remuneration: Research funding (to institution): Incyte, InnoCare, LOXO Oncology, Eli Lilly, MorphoSys, Novartis, Genentech, Genmab, AbbVie, BeiGene, Merck

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Impact of drainage pipe vapor intrusion pathways on sub-slab depressurization system mitigation performance

  Journal of Hazardous Materials · 2024-10-23 · 2 citations

  article
  PublisherDOI

• Long-term strategies for studying rare species: results and lessons from a multi-species study of odontocetes around the main Hawaiian Islands

  Pacific Conservation Biology · 2024-01-10 · 10 citations

  articleSenior author

  Context Funding agencies are often unlikely to fund research on rarely-encountered species and limited time is usually spent with such species when they are not the focus of research. Thus, knowledge of these species often lags behind their encounter rates. Aims To gain information on rarely-encountered odontocetes in Hawai‘i while simultaneously studying common ones. Methods During a long-term small-boat based study, we prioritised time spent with rarely-encountered species, collecting photos and biopsy samples, and satellite tagging. Sample sizes were augmented with photo contributions from members of the public and other researchers, and genetic samples from stranded animals and other researchers. Results from genetic and tag data analyses were interpreted in the context of social network placement and re-sighting histories. Key results Pygmy killer whales (Feresa attenuata) represented &amp;lt;2% of odontocete sightings, and sighting rates varied by depth and among islands. Photo-identification shows that 318 of 443 identified individuals are linked by association in the main component of the social network. Movements among islands were limited, with individuals off O‘ahu and Hawai‘i exhibiting high site fidelity, although resident groups from each island share a common mitochondrial haplotype. Three groups involved in mass strandings in two different years were not linked to the main component of the social network, and did not share mitochondrial haplotypes with known resident groups. Conclusions The approach of prioritising rarely-encountered species for additional sampling is an effective way of learning more about poorly-known species. Implications Such an approach may be critical for filling data gaps for populations potentially at risk from human activities.

  PublisherDOI

• Possession

  Oxford University Press eBooks · 2024-03-19 · 1 citations

  book-chapter1st authorCorresponding

  Abstract This chapter explores the issues surrounding spirit possession within Caribbean religions. It cites how the notion of possession questioned the idea of the autonomous, rational, free agent. While slavery was the Caribbean’s foundational institution and system of exchange, spirit possession provided a key category that helped affix the great ontological and social divide that separated those capable of ownership from those who could by right be owned. The question of the colonial occupation of territory or enslaved persons raised the issues of the economic value of land and spirits’ presence in the bodies of the enslaved. The chapter explains how the history of slavery hovers and chains the tropes of spirit possession, material possessions, and possessable persons.

  PublisherDOI

• FORMAS E TEMPERAMENTOS DA "ESCRAVA ANASTÁCIA", SANTA AFRO-BRASILEIRA

  Editora Científica Digital eBooks · 2023-01-01

  book-chapter1st authorCorresponding

  A agência ativada por meio de trocas com os santos não está simplesmente presente ou ausente, mas se manifesta de acordo com a forma das configurações materiais e sociais dos santos e do temperamento evocado pela manifestação de determinado santo. Neste ensaio, retomo a história de uma santa afro-brasileira, conhecida como Escrava Anastácia, e a forma como diferentes grupos étnico-raciais a representam, de acordo com diferentes efeitos sociais. Abordo a forma como os santos se manifestam e assumem determinado estado. O temperamento é inseparável da "presença" das entidades intangíveis. Neste ensaio, aproveito essas disjunções radicais entre as formas pelas quais um mesmo santo se manifesta - Anastácia como mártir sofredora, como companheira serena, como objeto erótico - para reconsiderar a manifestação dos santos na intersecção entre forma e temperamento. Enfocando os santos e sua personalidade, retomo termos conhecidos, como vontade e agência. Pensar por meio do temperamento nos remete a conjunturas materiais e reverberações emocionais cuja agência é difusa, mas, não obstante, gera predisposições para agir de certas maneiras.

  PublisherDOI

• Savage civil religion

  2023-04-28

  book-chapter1st authorCorresponding

  Despite the horrific violence perpetrated in the attacks of September 11, 2001, the decision to begin the war against Iraq one and a half years later cannot be seen as an automatic or natural response. That it finally did appear inevitable and that its announcement evoked little dissent or critique within the US, despite the absence of evidence linking the Al Qaeda organization to the state of Iraq, testifies not to its aptness but to the strategic success of agents of the state in generating terms of reality, or acceptance frames, that made it appear so. Within these acceptance frames, war was not only tolerable but finally even seemed required. What follows is an analysis and critique of how such a consensus was achieved, by way of a theoretical tour of a refurbished concept of civil religion.

  PublisherDOI

Recent grants

• NIH Grant R01HL066318

  NIH · $939k · 2005

• NIH Grant R01HL052684

  NIH · $4.5M · 2014

• NIH Grant R56HL052684

  NIH · $380k · 2008

• NIH Grant R29HL045891

  NIH · $517k · 1997

• NIH Grant R01HL015390

  NIH · $1.3M · 1996

Frequent coauthors

• Marcos Intaglietta

  University of California, San Diego

  92 shared

• Aleksander S. Popel

  Johns Hopkins University

  46 shared

• Amy G. Tsai

  43 shared

• Özlem Yalçın

  Koç University

  40 shared

• Cristin L. Bruce

  34 shared

• Pedro Cabrales

  La Jolla Bioengineering Institute

  31 shared

• Paul Dahlen

  Arizona State University

  26 shared

• Sangho Kim

  25 shared

Awards & honors

• Antonio Cândido Prize, Latin American Studies Association, b…
• John Simon Guggenheim Fellowship (2008)
• Wesley-Logan Prize of the American Historical Association, f…
• Best Book Award (analytic-descriptive), American Academy of…
• National Endowment for the Humanities Fellowship (2003-2004)