Joel B. Miesfeld

Joel B. Miesfeld is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the Medical College of Wisconsin, with a secondary appointment in Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy. He leads research on gene regulatory networks in retinal development and disease, focusing on retinal ganglion cells affected in glaucoma.

Research utilizes zebrafish and mouse models to investigate transcription factors and signaling pathways controlling retinal neurogenesis. Current projects examine Atoh7 gene regulation, Hippo pathway functions, and mechanisms of retinal ganglion cell development and degeneration.

Publications focus on eye organogenesis, transcriptional regulation of retinal development, and genetic models of ocular disorders. Research integrates molecular biology, genetics, and advanced imaging techniques to understand congenital and adult-onset eye diseases.

Dr. Miesfeld has received numerous awards including the Knights Templar Eye Foundation Travel Grant, NIH Pathway to Independence Award, and Ruth L. Kirschstein Postdoctoral Fellowship. His lab is funded by NIH/NEI and the E. Matilda Zeigler Foundation.