As a cancer biologist, Joanna’s research interests focus on understanding tissue growth control. She uses classic genetics, transcriptomics, and cytology in model organisms to explore conserved mechanisms that drive oncogenesis. Joanna has characterized a novel tumor suppressor involved in melanoma metastasis and also identified oncogenes in pancreatic cancer using a novel in vivo screening and molecular barcoding platform. Joanna has utilized Drosophila and mammalian models of brain cancer to describe the mechanism of a conserved kinase in the development and progression of brain cancer. Her current project uses Drosophila and focuses on cross talk between a conserved tumor suppressor, ago/dFbw7, and the Hippo signaling pathway.
