Joanna Olivas

           Joanna was born in El Paso, TX, but her roots extend deep into Mexico. She pursued her B.S. in Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), a vibrant institution on the US border. After graduating, she joined the NIAID as a post-baccalaureate researcher. There, she investigated how malaria parasites acquire and utilize nutrients from their human hosts.

 Joanna's academic path then led her to Harvard University, where she earned her Ph.D. in Biological Sciences in Public Health. At Harvard,she studied CD4 T cell responses in the clearance of infection by the intracellular pathogen Chlamydia trachomatis in Dr. Michael Starnbach's lab.

In 2024, Joanna took the next step in her scientific career by joining the Byndloss lab. Here, she explores the dynamic interactions between the gut microbiota, intestinal epithelium, and the immune response. Outside the lab, Joanna is an avid bird photographer and loves immersing herself in cultural experiences. She enjoys attending concerts, soccer games, and community events, embracing the vibrant life around her.