Detaya Johnson is a Milwaukee native and studied Geology/Hydrology with an emphasis in genomics at UWM School of Freshwater. Detaya was a paid researcher conducting four research projects over five years. She assisted Dr. Sandra Mclellan lab on their Dominican Republic biofilm development and contaminate reduction experiment. 

She led research under Dr. Dyanna Czeck to determine the enrichment or depletion of nutrients due to fluid inclusion on Metaconglomerates from the Rainy Lake region in Duluth. Detaya collected samples and helped with analyze for some of the original groundwater surveys of Lulu Lake with Dr. Daniel Feinstein, USGS. 

In her Masters studies she used soil from Victory Garden Initiative and Biochar from MMSD to conduct biofilm and nitrogen experiments. Detaya is deeply rooted in community. She stands with her community and fights for equality and justice. She believes and understands that peace is overshadowed by daily afflictions like food insecurity, joblessness, and family challenges. She believes peace and stillness is life's purpose and everyone deserves peace. Combining nature, science, and art, Detaya founded Karma Community and runs Karman Community Garden.