Joanna originally studied Physics (MPhys at University of York; PhD at University of Warwick), and is an analytical scientist with an interest in developing understanding of transition metal distribution and trafficking in the human brain in health and disease. She established the Trace Metals in Medicine Laboratory in the School of Engineering in 2011, and has since developed a thriving research group. Alongside her research and undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, she led the School of Engineering to Athena SWAN Bronze in 2015, and subsequently to Silver in 2019. She contributes to University-level work on equality and diversity as the chair of the Gender Task Force.