Dr. Aaron Wasserman

Biography

Aaron Wasserman is a postdoctoral research fellow in the Department of Medicine at Michigan State University, where he runs an induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) research program in the Hong/Williams laboratory. His research focuses on the structure, maturation, and regeneration of cardiomyocytes, or heart muscle cells. His current work emphasizes the role of centrosomes in causing human cardiac disease and identifying therapeutics to treat these disorders. Aaron obtained his Ph.D. from Michigan State University, where he discovered that oxytocin, a neuroendocrine hormone released during cardiac injury, activates the resident cardiac stem cell population, thereby facilitating heart regeneration. His research provides evidence for an evolutionarily conserved, brain-controlled mechanism that induces regeneration of the injured heart. He has made significant contributions to the field of cardiac developmental modeling by developing a protocol to construct three-dimensional human heart organoids, referred to as 'miniature hearts,' from iPSCs. With a Master’s degree from the University of Michigan, Aaron studied the molecular mechanisms of mutations that cause cardiomyopathies. His long-term research interests lie in understanding how major organ systems, particularly the heart and brain, work together to maintain homeostasis. Additionally, Aaron is a passionate university educator and mentor, eager to shape the next generation of scientists in their careers.

Research Interests

Experience