Emerson Johnston

Emerson Johnston (she/her) is a young global professional with the Cyber Statecraft Initiative, part of the Atlantic Council Tech Programs. Johnston is a second-year master’s student and Knight-Hennessy Scholar at Stanford University, where she is studying International Cyber Policy and Security. She is a first-generation college student and graduated summa cum laude from Northeastern University, where she earned a dual Bachelor of Science in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics, and History, Culture, and Law.

Emerson’s research interests lie at the intersection of national security and cybersecurity, focusing on topics such as the implications of digital infrastructure on global security, the role of cyber operations in contemporary warfare, and the challenges of safeguarding critical information systems against emerging threats. Her professional experience spans roles with the United States Department of State, HUMAN Cybersecurity, and in the US Intelligence Community, where she investigated and reported on the complexities of cyber policy and its impact on international security frameworks. In addition to her academic pursuits, Emerson serves as a Civil Affairs Specialist in the United States Army Reserve.