معرفی
Purna Joshi is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at The University of Texas at Dallas (UTD). She is affiliated with the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics and leads the Joshi Lab. Her research focuses on stem/progenitor cell dynamics in development, regeneration, and cancer, using mouse models, organoids, lineage tracing, and single-cell analyses. She holds a PhD and MSc in Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Biology from the University of Toronto, with postdoctoral training at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.
- Education:
- PhD in Stem Cell Biology, University of Toronto (2012)
- MSc in Developmental Biology, University of Toronto (2005)
- BSc (Hons) in Pathobiology, University of Toronto (2003)
Her research investigates epithelial and mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells' fate and niche mechanisms, particularly in mammary glands, prostate, and obesity-influenced environments. Key areas include cell fate plasticity, stromal-epithelial crosstalk, and therapeutic strategies for cancer and regeneration. Recent work highlights how adipocyte progenitors contribute to aberrant mammary niches in obesity, linking metabolic and developmental pathways.
Dr. Joshi has received notable awards such as the Faculty Rising STARs Award (UT System, 2021) and Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship (2016). Her work bridges basic science and translational research, with implications for cancer prevention and regenerative medicine.
- Awards:
- Faculty Rising STARs Award (2021)
- Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation Postdoc Fellowship (2016)
- Stuart Alan Hoffman PhD Recognition Award (2013)
Her lab’s collaborative projects explore niche modulation and plasticity in health and disease. Ongoing studies include investigating obesity’s impact on mammary stem cell niches and developing novel therapeutic targets for breast cancer prevention. Dr. Joshi’s work is supported by grants from the UT System and Canadian foundations.
