Andrew Johnson "AJ" (24 Aug 1958 - 15 Sep 2021)

AJ was my supervisor for my 3rd year Zoology project at Nottingham Uni. I remember him explaining to us the importance of the axolotl as a model organism. His enthusiasm was very inspiring to me. I also remember going to thank him at the end of my project and accidentally jabbing him with fake nails I had just gotten... I was very embarrassed but he was very polite about it :")

A bunch of us learned that in grad school at Purdue about AJ's huge personality. I remember closing the Stabilizer on a wintery night and heading over to the Triple X for breakfast, where AJ began to comment, "it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas," before leading the whole place in song. Amazing, but typical AJ!

Andy and I had so much fun during our college years. I met him when we both worked at a law firm in NYC. He greeted me, shook my hand, and said “my name is AJ and I run this place.” I’ve missed seeing him over the years and was saddened to learn of his passing. Blessings to his family.

AJ was a housemate when I studied at Purdue. He lived life to the fullest, and was a brilliant thinker. His passing makes me sad; but I smile with my memories of him.

AJ was my best man when I married at Purdue. He was a larger than life man with a zest for life and a friend with no equal. I think of him often and smile.

Now there was a guy who got his full money's worth out of life. The world is not such a happy place without AJ.

AJ was my first supervisor at Nottingham after I finished my PhD. I remember the energy and enthusiasm which was so infectious to me as a young scientist. Within the first 2 weeks we had cloned the gene that AJ was convinced existed in Axolotls, this helped prove one of his major scientific theories. He was so excited, and I remember so well how he chased me down the corridor to give me a ‘high five’. I think this will remain the most memorable event in my career. It was a real eureka moment and it was amazing to experience it with him. It really did make me feel that I should continue as a scientist. Another memory was when we got our first paper published, we sipped whiskey from falcon tubes; I will never forget these cherished moments. AJ was also one of the most memorable guests at our wedding, my whole family remember him as such a positive and sociable guy. He really did instil what commitment, determination, energy, and importantly never giving up could achieve. He was an amazing guy; I am so upset about this and so is Clare my wife. For both myself and AJ, the work we did was our calling, probably to the detriment to other things. We shared such memorable times together which I am sure we will all remember and has been so valuable in my life… I am very sorry for your loss.