Joseph C. Ayoob

Joseph C. Ayoob, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computational and Systems Biology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. He holds roles as Associate Director of the UPMC Hillman Academy and Faculty Fellow of the University of Pittsburgh Center for Mentoring. His work focuses on innovative training programs for students at all academic levels, including the NSF-funded TECBio REU program (since 2010) and the CompBio Academy high school program (since 2011). He also directs the CPCB MetaSchool, a professional development series for graduate students.

Dr. Ayoob earned his PhD in Neuroscience from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. His educational efforts span undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral trainees, emphasizing lab-based skills and professional development. He is a Principal Facilitator for the Entering Mentoring and Entering Research curricula, recognized as a National Research Mentoring Network (NRMN) Master Mentor and Mentor of the Month.

Research interests include STEM education innovation, mentorship best practices, and computational biology training. He has pioneered programs like the CPCB Presentation Course and CoBB Professional Development course. Awards include recognition for mentorship excellence and contributions to mentored research training.

Publications highlight his work in educational frameworks, undergraduate research effectiveness, and molecular mechanisms in neurodegenerative diseases. His lab supports interdisciplinary training through summer programs targeting underrepresented students in STEM fields.