Suttira Intapad

Suttira Intapad, known as Joy, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacology at Tulane University School of Medicine. Her research focuses on developmental programming of chronic diseases, particularly cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders stemming from adverse fetal environments. She specializes in using mouse models of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) to investigate mechanisms linking low birth weight to lifelong health risks like hypertension and diabetes.

Dr. Intapad holds a BS in Physiotherapy from Mahidol University (2003), a PhD in Physiology from Mahidol University and Georgia Regents University (2009), and completed postdoctoral training at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (2010–2015). Her work integrates molecular biology, physiology, and translational research to address how early-life insults can be mitigated through novel therapeutic strategies.

Her research interests include understanding the role of sphingolipid signaling pathways, renal physiology, and hormonal interactions in programming chronic diseases. She has developed innovative mouse models to study IUGR, enabling the exploration of gene-environment interactions and potential interventions. Key areas of focus include hypertension, preeclampsia, and the interplay between kidney function and metabolic health.

Dr. Intapad’s studies highlight sex-specific differences in disease outcomes and emphasize the importance of translational approaches to improve clinical outcomes for individuals exposed to adverse fetal conditions. Her work bridges basic science and clinical applications, aiming to identify biomarkers and therapeutic targets for preventing programmed chronic diseases.