Roles
Research Assistant Professor
Associate Director of Scientific Communications and Data Analytics
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Biography
Dr. Joana R. N. Lemos is a distinguished clinical researcher and academic leader at the University of Miami’s Diabetes Research Institute (DRI). As Associate Director of Scientific Communications and Data Analytics, she plays a critical role in shaping scientific narratives, facilitating interdisciplinary collaborations, and advancing translational research efforts focused on type 1 diabetes (T1D). Her expertise bridges clinical endocrinology, statistical modeling, and diabetes research, with a strong emphasis on improving patient outcomes through rigorous clinical trial methodologies.
Dr. Lemos’s academic journey spans multiple disciplines and institutions, beginning with a Bachelor’s and Postgraduate Degree in Clinical Nutrition in Brazil, followed by a Master’s in Medicine, and culminating in a Ph.D. in Endocrinology from the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul. She further honed her expertise in advanced data science, biostatistics, and statistical modeling before completing her postdoctoral training at the University of Miami in diabetes research.
With over a decade of experience in clinical research, Dr. Lemos has made significant contributions to the field, particularly in the immunological aspects of type 1 diabetes and islet cell transplantation. She has served as a lead statistician on numerous diabetes studies, ensuring data integrity and the application of cutting-edge statistical methodologies. Her research has been widely published in high-impact journals, and she actively contributes as a reviewer for esteemed scientific publications.
Beyond research, Dr. Lemos is a dedicated educator and mentor, having previously held faculty positions in Brazil and now leading scientific communication initiatives at the DRI. She is committed to fostering a collaborative research environment and engaging with the broader scientific and medical communities to accelerate discoveries in diabetes care. Her work at the intersection of scientific innovation, data analytics, and translational medicine continues to drive progress in the quest for improved therapies and, ultimately, a cure for type 1 diabetes. -
Teaching Interests
Dr. Joana Lemos is passionate about teaching and mentoring the next generation of scientists and healthcare professionals, with a strong commitment to active learning, interdisciplinary education, and knowledge dissemination. With a background in metabolism biochemistry, nutrient metabolism, endocrinology, and biostatistics, she integrates these fields into her teaching, emphasizing their relevance to diabetes research, clinical applications, and translational medicine.
Dr. Lemos strongly believes in multiplying knowledge by fostering an interactive and engaging learning environment. She has extensive experience with active learning methodologies, including problem-based learning, case studies, and interdisciplinary collaboration, to encourage critical thinking and hands-on application of scientific concepts. Her teaching philosophy is centered on preparing students and researchers not only to understand complex biological and statistical principles but also to apply them effectively in clinical research, data analysis, and healthcare decision-making.
As an educator, Dr. Lemos has contributed to curriculum development, scientific writing, and research training, ensuring that students gain practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge. She is particularly invested in helping learners bridge the gap between scientific research and real-world applications, fostering a culture of inquiry, innovation, and collaboration. -
Research Interests
Dr. Joana R. N. Lemos is particularly interested in the immunological mechanisms underlying type 1 diabetes (T1D) at different stages of disease progression, with a focus on immune modulation, islet transplantation, and data-driven approaches to translational research.
As a member of the Diabetes Research Institute’s (DRI) scientific team, she plays a key role in integrating clinical research and scientific strategy to advance innovative therapies for diabetes. By analyzing basic, translational, and clinical data, she helps bridge laboratory discoveries with patient outcomes, uncovering patterns and validating hypotheses that drive the translation of research into meaningful clinical applications, ultimately improving therapeutic strategies for type 1 diabetes.
Dr. Lemos also collaborates closely with the clinical team on the long-term follow-up of patients who have undergone islet transplantation, assessing graft survival, immune rejection, and metabolic outcomes over extended periods.
With a strong background in biostatistics and clinical trial design, Dr. Lemos bridges the gap between scientific discovery and real-world application. Her interdisciplinary approach ensures that data-driven insights are leveraged to enhance diabetes research, treatment development, and patient care, furthering the DRI’s mission to find a cure for type 1 diabetes. -
Publications
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