Joanna Allardyce is an Associate Professor with a background in anatomy and a unique interdisciplinary expertise that bridges biomedical science, dance, and cancer survivorship. A former dancer, Joanna has brought her passion for movement into the heart of her research, co-designing lifestyle interventions that integrate dance and dietary strategies to improve quality of life and patient-reported outcomes for breast cancer survivors.

Her work is grounded in participatory health research methods, with a strong emphasis on co-design and collaboration. Joanna established and leads a dedicated Breast Cancer Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) panel, working closely with survivors to ensure that research priorities, interventions, and outcomes reflect the lived experiences and needs of those affected by cancer.

Joanna is developing and leading innovative, community-based projects that use dance as a physical acivity and empowering tool, particularly in post-treatment recovery and survivorship. Her dietary interventions are developed in collaboration with clinical dietitians, ensuring an evidence-based and holistic approach.

She is an active member of the Limerick Cancer Trials Group's Breast Subgroup, contributing to the development of survivorship-focused trials and translational research. Through her work, Joanna continues to advocate for integrated, patient-centred approaches to cancer care that support both physical recovery and psychosocial wellbeing.

Joanna is a seasoned anatomy educator with over 19 years of teaching experience in both academic and clinical settings covering all aspects of anatomy, from gross, clinical and functional anatomy, to embryology, histology, and imaging. With a deep-rooted passion for human anatomy and education, she has dedicated nearly two decades to shaping the minds of future healthcare professionals. Known for making complex anatomical concepts clear and engaging, Joanna has taught at University of Liverpool, Keele University Medical School, Trinity College Dublin, St. George’s University of London, and University of Limerick. She has mentored countless students and contributed to curriculum development and assessments for anatomical education across Medicine, Allied Health, Dentistry, and Biomedical Sciences programmes in the UK and Ireland at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Her teaching philosophy blends traditional anatomical knowledge with modern pedagogical techniques, creating a dynamic and inclusive learning environment. Joanna continues to inspire curiosity, critical thinking, and excellence in the study of the human body.