Joanie McDonald's defining visual characteristic is her multicolored mohawk hairstyle.

Joanie's DNA combination is not readily apparent. She has been interwoven with a jellyfish in the attempt to create a human being that can live virtually forever, reverting to a younger, fresher version of itself when it faces imminent death. This ability has yet to be tested successfully.

Joanie's obvious strength is her ability to evaluate a situation and make a decision. She walks with a swagger, cuts off her sentences in half phrases, and was addicted to chewing tobacco before her hybridization. Now, she pops mints like candy.

Joanie is a born leader, and the hybridized humans in her group are quick to offer her their full loyalty and trust.

We first meet Joanie in Book 2 of The Human-Hybrid Project, Inside the Darkness.