Cardio-Metabolic Research Group
Biographical detail:
Dr Danzil Joseph is a newly appointed Lecturer in the Department of Physiological Sciences at Stellenbosch University (since March 2021) and member of the Center for Cardio-Metabolic Research in Africa (CARMA). He previously held a post as Laboratory Manager and Technical Officer at the department, where he also completed a post-doctoral fellowship after graduating with his PhD in 2014. His mission is to use innovative hypotheses and methodologies to achieve research goals. His aim is to make a substantial contribution to the field of cardio-metabolic diseases research by assessing the impact of various lifestyle and comorbid conditions of relevance, the physiological, pathophysiological, molecular and metabolic mechanisms driving these factors, and the potential for intervention. Student development is at the center of his research philosophy, where personal and professional growth will be fostered.
Research focus:
Dr Danzil Joseph's research focus is lifestyle-associated diseases including cardio-metabolic diseases, diabetes and links with communicable diseases and psychosocial stress. These diseases remain the foremost causes of death, disability and morbidity in South Africa. In Dr Joseph's newly established research group they will investigate the infectious and cardio-metabolic diseases double burden, with focus on 1) cardio-metabolic factors that drive detrimental outcomes in SARS-CoV-2 infections and resultant COVID-19; and 2) novel links between HIV and cardio-metabolic diseases. Collaborations within the department, CARMA and elsewhere, allows further exploration into topics involving the cardio-metabolic links with psychosocial stress and with chemotherapeutic toxicity.