Damini Jawaheer

Damini Jawaheer, PhD, is a Research Professor in the Department of Medicine (Rheumatology) at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine. She holds joint affiliations with the Center for Genetic Medicine and Center for Reproductive Science. Dr. Jawaheer obtained her BS (1991) and PhD (1995) in Human Genetics from the University of Manchester, UK, followed by an MS in Epidemiology from UC Berkeley (2009). She completed postdoctoral training at North Shore University Hospital, New York (2001).

Research Focus

Dr. Jawaheer leads pioneering research on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) during pregnancy using genomic and epidemiological approaches. Her NIH-funded work established the first international prospective RA pregnancy cohort in Denmark, investigating pregnancy-induced disease improvement and postpartum flares through gene expression and epigenetic studies. This research aims to identify novel therapeutic targets and understand fetal developmental impacts.

Publication Trends

Her recent publications (2021-2023) focus on gene expression signatures in RA pregnancy, comparing pre-pregnancy baselines with disease progression patterns. Studies utilize longitudinal cohorts to identify molecular mechanisms behind pregnancy-induced remission and postpartum flares, with implications for personalized treatment approaches.

Awards & Recognition

• Keynote speaker, Arthritis National Research Foundation (2025)
• Innovative Research Award, Rheumatology Research Foundation (2024)
• ANRF Scholar & Josephine B. Rich Memorial Fellow (2012)
• New Investigator Award (2006)
• Postdoctoral Fellowship, National Arthritis Foundation (1997)

Leadership & Funding

Dr. Jawaheer leads an international multidisciplinary team and secured multiple NIH grants, including a 5-year award for epigenetic studies in RA pregnancy. She serves as Associate Editor for Rheumatology and committee member for the American College of Rheumatology. She maintains professional memberships in genetics and rheumatology societies.