The Vessels of Survival: Dr. Johanna Hannan on Healing the Body After Cancer
When it comes to understanding how blood vessels adapt, heal, and sometimes fail, few researchers bring as much insight and passion as Dr. Johanna Hannan, Associate Professor of Urology at the School of Medicine and Public Health at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Her work explores the intricate vascular systems that supply vital organs—particularly the bladder, erectile tissue, and other pelvic structures—and how these systems are affected by disease, aging, and cancer treatments.
Dr. Hannan’s journey into vascular research began at Queen’s University in Canada, where she first used DMT myograph systems under the guidance of Dr. Michael Adams. That early experience sparked a fascination with how blood vessels respond to injury and stress—an interest that continues to shape her research today.
Currently, Dr. Hannan and her team are investigating the long-term impact of radiation therapy on pelvic and prostate cancer survivors, as well as similar effects in women’s health. Their work focuses on targeting specific pelvic organs to better understand the lasting impact of treatment on vascular and smooth muscle function. Soon, they’ll have access to patient-derived tissue samples, bringing their studies even closer to clinical application.
When asked about unexpected findings, Dr. Hannan recalled her graduate research on penile feed arteries and the challenges of studying injured vessels. Using spontaneously hypertensive rats, her team uncovered striking evidence of age-related vascular remodeling primarily in the penile feed arteries—and in models of chronic kidney disease, even calcification of penile blood vessels. These insights have helped connect the dots between systemic illnesses and local vascular changes.
For Dr. Hannan, the DMT myograph systems remain central to this work. With two 620M wire myographs and two 820MO organ bath setups in her lab, her team can efficiently generate large volumes of data. “The DMT systems let us ask and answer questions quickly,” she said. “They make it possible to study molecular responses in great detail, especially when using pharmacological agents or other interventions.”
While her research continues to produce important findings, Dr. Hannan finds her greatest fulfillment in mentorship and training. “What brings me the most joy,” she said, “is seeing students grow into independent researchers or go on to medical school. Watching them present their work at conferences—especially as podium presenters—is incredibly rewarding. I feel like I’m helping shape the next generation of scientists.”
When asked about the challenges she’s faced along the way, Dr. Hannan was candid about the realities of navigating academia as a woman in science. She acknowledged that at times, it meant having to prove herself more than others or finding her voice in male-dominated spaces. Yet, she sees those experiences as part of what shaped her resilience and leadership style. “It’s important to recognize your worth and keep pushing forward,” she said.
“Those moments make you stronger and help you advocate for the next generation coming up behind you.”
Her advice to young researchers carries that same message of courage and growth:
“Don’t avoid the hard tasks or the things that make you uncomfortable. That’s often where the biggest discoveries come from. Don’t let insecurities stop you—growth comes from pushing through the challenges.”
Through her commitment to both science and mentorship, Dr. Johanna Hannan exemplifies the resilience she studies. Her work continues to uncover how vessels adapt and endure—illuminating not only the biology of survivorship but also the human spirit that drives scientific discovery forward.