Dr. Mattis earned a combined B.S./M.S. degree in Neurobiology at Yale University and an MPhil in Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience at the University of Cambridge. She then completed an M.D., Ph.D. at Stanford University, obtaining her Ph.D. in the laboratory of Dr. Karl Deisseroth, credited as co-founder of the field of optogenetics. She moved to the University of Pennsylvania to complete a Neurology residency and Epilepsy fellowship. After completion of her clinical training, she was appointed as an Instructor in Neurology, gaining further expertise in experimental epileptology. Dr. Mattis joined the faculty at the University of Michigan as an Assistant Professor of Neurology in June 2022. The Mattis laboratory will focus on the characterization and manipulation of neuronal circuits in preclinical epilepsy models.
Outside of work, Joanna enjoys spending time with her husband and their three children, ages 3, 7, and 9. Joanna and her family relocated from Pennsylvania and are looking forward to exploring Ann Arbor’s restaurants and festivals, as well as the great hiking and camping in Michigan.