Joan A. Steitz

Dr. Joan A. Steitz is the Sterling Professor of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry at Yale University, where she has held positions since 1978. Her research focuses on RNA processing, noncoding RNA-protein complexes, and post-transcriptional gene regulation in eukaryotic cells. She leads the Steitz Laboratory at Yale School of Medicine, investigating mechanisms of pre-mRNA splicing and viral RNA hijacking of host pathways.

• Key discoveries: snRNP roles in splicing, ENE element stabilization of PAN RNA, and microRNA activation during quiescence.
• 2002–present: Investigator at Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI).
• 1996–1999: Chair of Yale's Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry Department.

Research Highlights: Structural insights into MALAT1 triple-helix stabilization, viral snRNA modulation of host miR-27, and nuclear RNA surveillance mechanisms. Her work bridges RNA biophysics, splicing, and viral oncogenesis.

Scientific Awards (selected):

• 2021 Wolf Prize for RNA processing
• 2018 Lasker-Koshland Special Achievement Award
• 2015 Connecticut Medal of Science
• 2005 E.B. Wilson Medal
• 1992 Member, American Philosophical Society
• 1986 National Medal of Science

Dr. Steitz mentors graduate students like Aarthi Vijayakumar and Chantaka Wongdontri, while training postdoctoral fellows and junior scientists. Her laboratory at Yale explores RNA stabilization, spliceosome assembly, and viral RNA interactions with host machinery, maintaining international collaborations in RNA biology and structural virology.