Joanna Jankowsky

Joanna Jankowsky serves as Professor of Neuroscience and Theodore and Bertha Bryan Professor of Environmental Medicine at Washington University School of Medicine, leading research on Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis through genetically engineered mouse models. Her work investigates genetic, environmental, and aging factors influencing dementia risk and progression.

Her educational background includes:

• PhD in Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience, California Institute of Technology (1993-1999)
• BA in Biology, Amherst College (1987-1991)

Dr. Jankowsky's research centers on Alzheimer's disease mechanisms, with emphasis on TMEM106B genetics, disease heterogeneity, and amyloid-targeting interventions. Her lab develops transgenic models to dissect neural circuit vulnerability and protein aggregation dynamics, exploring how genetic variants influence resilience to tauopathy and amyloid pathology.

Recent publications (2021-2024) reveal consistent focus on Alzheimer's mechanisms using transgenic models, with key themes including TMEM106B's protective role in tauopathy, activity-dependent neurodegeneration in memory circuits, and innovative Aβ-targeting gene therapies. These works bridge neuroscience, molecular genetics, and therapeutic development.

Her scientific recognition includes:

• Vivian L. Smith Endowed Chair in Neuroscience (Baylor College of Medicine, 2020-2025)
• Alzheimer’s Association Zenith Fellows Award (2019-2022)
• NIH Director’s New Innovator Award (DP2, 2007-2012)
• NIH Mentored Research Scientist Award (K01, 2004-2009)
• NARSAD Young Investigator Award (2004-2006)

Dr. Jankowsky mentors trainees through the Jankowsky Lab while securing major grants including NIH New Innovator and Zenith Fellow awards. Her collaborative work spans neuroscience departments and leverages viral vector technologies for therapeutic development.

The Jankowsky Lab maintains three core research thrusts: TMEM106B isoform effects on dementia risk using multi-omics approaches, structural determinants of protein aggregate toxicity, and amyloid-targeting gene therapies delivered via neuroscience-derived viral tools. The lab actively distributes its mouse models to accelerate global Alzheimer's research.