Joan W. Berman

Joan W. Berman is a Professor in the Department of Pathology at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Her research focuses on the interplay between Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and the central nervous system, particularly examining mechanisms of neuroinflammation, blood-brain barrier disruption, and the role of myeloid cells in HIV neuropathogenesis. She has led numerous translational studies in the CART era, investigating monocyte transmigration, neurodegeneration, and the impact of illicit drugs and opioids on HIV progression.

• Key Research Areas: HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorders, Monocyte/Macrophage Biology, Blood-Brain Barrier Pathology, Neuroinflammation, Illicit Drug Interactions, Chemokine Signaling.

Her recent work includes single-cell analysis of CD14+CD16+ monocytes and their migratory roles in neuroinflammation, as well as exploring autophagy mechanisms for antiretroviral drug repurposing. She has secured 26 grants, including projects on inflammation in depression among people living with HIV and methamphetamine’s effects on CXCL12-mediated neuropathogenesis. Her collaborative network spans national and international institutions, focusing on neuroimmune interactions.

Scientific Contributions:

• Over 185 publications with significant Scopus citations
• Leading research on HIV’s impact on CNS via monocyte pathways
• Key role in understanding comorbidities between HIV and cardiovascular disease
• Advancing drug repurposing strategies for HIV and related conditions