Joseph B. Duffy

Joseph B. Duffy is an Associate Professor in the Biology & Biotechnology department at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). His research focuses on defining signaling pathways that regulate cellular diversity, with emphasis on the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) network, neurobiology, adhesion/barrier biology, and lipid metabolism. He employs molecular, genetic, and biochemical approaches to study disease mechanisms.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree from Cornell University (1987)
• PhD from the University of Texas, Houston (1992)
• Postdoctoral research at Harvard Medical School (1995) and University of Colorado, Boulder (1997)

Teaching & Mentoring: Teaches courses in biotechnology, genetics, signal transduction, and grant writing. Mentors undergraduate and graduate students in laboratory research.

Research Trends: Publications highlight investigations into BMP signaling, ligand sequestration, kinesin dynamics, and EGFR feedback mechanisms, with applications to cancer biology and developmental processes. Recent work extends into neurobiology and lipid metabolism.

Awards:

• Recipient of the Damon Runyon Fellowship (1992)

Advising & Grants: Mentors doctoral and master’s students. Active in grant writing and experimental systems design. No specific grants listed here are detailed in the text.

Labs & Teams: Leads a lab at the Life Science and Bioengineering Center, focusing on interdisciplinary approaches to cellular signaling and disease.