A native of Atlanta, Joiner graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology in chemistry, and completed his M.D. and Ph.D. degrees at Duke University in the medical scientist training program.

With nearly continuous funding by multiple National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants since 1984, Joiner’s basic research is focused on red blood cell physiology, specifically cell volume regulation, and its abnormalities in sickle cell disease. He collaborates with investigators at both Emory and Georgia Tech in research studies related to sickle cell disease. 

He is the principal investigator of a new NIH training grant that addresses the crucial need for programs to train physician scientists and clinical investigators in pediatric non-malignant hematology.

Research in hematology over the past few decades (particularly in pediatrics) has yielded scientific and clinical advances, and a deeper understanding of disease processes, but the number of investigators funded by NIH for hematology-related research has steadily declined since 2002 according to recent data from the NIH. Joiner, with the support of NIH, is helping to train and support future researchers in the area of hematology.

This new endowed chair was made possible by the generous contribution from Sharon and Matthew Price. Price, a Georgia Tech alumnus (IM 1978), parlayed his education in business leadership and problem-solving into many successful ventures including the creation of one of the fastest-growing medical staffing companies–Advantage RN. In 2003, Advantage RN began meeting the demands of a growing market for traveling nurses and talented medical professionals. Price is now retired as president and CEO of Advantage RN. Mrs. Sharon Price is retired as marketing director for Advantage RN, and is a graduate of St. Mary’s College, Indiana.

Media Contact:
Walter Rich
Communications Manager
Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering
Georgia Institute of Technology