The research interest of Avni Y. Joshi, M.D., is on translational studies in the field of immune competence, especially the effect of secondhand smoke exposure on the immune system.

Focus areas

• Cigarette smoke exposure and its effect on the immune system in children. Dr. Joshi is interested in evaluating how different people respond differently to tobacco smoke and the effects of secondhand smoke exposure, especially young children.
• Immune assessment with vaccine efficacy. Dr. Joshi has completed both retrospective and prospective studies in the field of vaccine immunogenicity and efficacy.

Dr. Joshi is also interested in translational studies in the field of primary immune deficiency disorders.

Significance to patient care

Dr. Joshi is passionate about improving patient outcomes in children with asthma, especially in changing the modifiable risk factors with decreasing secondhand smoke exposure and improving vaccine uptake for respiratory pathogens.

Dr. Joshi is working on a family-centered initiative for smoking cessation in the pediatric population, especially in children with asthma exposed to secondhand and thirdhand smoke in their families, where effective smoking cessation resources are scarce.