Treyana Johnson ’20

In her first year post-graduation, Treyana Johnson ’20 found her dream job, founded her own business, and enrolled in graduate school.

Alumni Treyana Johnson standing in her OCME lab coat. — Alumna Treyana Johnson '20 began working as an autopsy technician for the Maryland Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in her first year post-graduation.

Treyana Johnson ’20 was determined to make her dreams a reality, and through perseverance and dedication she achieved them in her first year post-graduation. As a new graduate who majored in Sociology with a minor in Forensic Science, Johnson found her ideal job as an autopsy technician and founded her own business. She also set her sights on new goals, enrolling in a master’s degree program in Investigative Sciences at Coppin State University.

Johnson’s job as an autopsy technician at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) has been an eventful experience. Her role as an autopsy technician has paired well with her drive to study forensic pathology. Her on-the-job tasks involve anatomy, toxicology, fingerprinting, and death investigation.

“I have been able to use my degree to assist the doctors. I’ve helped with facial reconstruction, homicides, and COVID-19 cases,” she says.

Besides working as an autopsy technician, Johnson also launched her own beauty business, X-tense. She was initially inspired to make products for herself and noticed they were getting interest from others. From there, it only made sense to officially launch her natural, vegan cosmetic and beauty line specializing in lip balms, lip tints, scented goods, massage butters, and more. For Johnson, running her own business provided a creative outlet alongside her position in the OCME.

“Looking back to 2016, I have the job I’ve always talked about,” she says. “And I’ve found a passion that keeps me happy while also making another stream of income."

While on the Hill, Johnson was president of the Black Student Union, a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, and a mentor in the Edge Experience, which supports first-year students from Baltimore City public schools.

“I beat all odds stacked against a Black woman from Baltimore. Who would’ve known the freshman year version of me would have made it this far? I literally say my dreams became my reality.”

Originally published in The Hill magazine, Autumn 2021

Treyana Johnson ’20

About Treyana