Joerg Waldhaus

Joerg Waldhaus, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Michigan Medical School. He is affiliated with the Center for Cell Plasticity and Organ Design, Kresge Hearing Research Institute, and Center for Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics. His research focuses on developmental mechanisms in inner ear organogenesis, morphogen signaling, and regenerative approaches for hearing loss. He mentors students and contributes to interdisciplinary studies bridging genetics, computational biology, and clinical applications.

Research interests include understanding how retinoic acid and sonic hedgehog gradients shape cochlear development, as well as leveraging organoid models to study inner ear regeneration. His work integrates single-cell RNA sequencing and 3D reconstruction techniques to map developmental potentials in mouse models.

Recent publications highlight topics like cochlear organogenesis, tonotopic signaling, and cholesteatoma pathogenesis. He actively participates in collaborative projects at affiliated centers, advancing both basic science and translational research in hearing biology.