Fellowship Start Year
2021
Status
Continuing
Research Topic
Epigenetic mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders
Joanna Medina
Bio
Dr. Joanna Medina is a postdoctoral fellow at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, working under the mentorship of Dr. Zhaolan (Joe) Zhou. She earned her Ph.D. in Behavioral Neuroscience from the University at Albany, SUNY, where she studied the interactions of stress and neuroendocrine-immune mechanisms underlying postpartum depression in a rat model.
At Penn, Dr. Medina investigates the genetic underpinnings of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), focusing on the effects of Neurexin mutations on ASD-relevant behavioral phenotypes and their potential reversibility in mouse models. Her research aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms that contribute to ASD, with the goal of identifying potential therapeutic targets. Dr. Medina’s diverse background includes extensive research experience in both behavioral neuroscience and genetics. Her work is characterized by a strong commitment to understanding complex biological systems and improving health outcomes through innovative research.
Postdoc Appointment
Department
- Genetics
Penn Faculty Mentor
- Zhaolan (Joe) Zhou, Ph.D.
Education
Degrees
- 2021, Ph.D. Behavioral Neuroscience, University at Albany (The State University of New York, SUNY)
- 2014, B.S. Integrative Neuroscience, Binghamton University (The State University of New York, SUNY)
Disertation Title
Behavioral, Endocrine, and Neural Responses to Stress in Postpartum and Nulliparous Rats: Potential Mechanisms of Postpartum Stress Resilience
Research Advisors
- Joanna L. Workman, Ph.D.