<p>Dr. Judith Kempfle is an otologist, surgeon-scientist, and Director of Research in the Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery at UMass Medical School. She also holds an appointment at the Eaton-Peabody Laboratories at Mass Eye and Ear. Her NIH- and foundation-funded research focuses on regenerative strategies for inner ear hearing loss, including cellular reprogramming, gene therapy, and small-molecule therapeutics. She has a particular interest in the role of Schwann cells and glia in repair and hearing restoration within the auditory system. Clinically, Dr. Kempfle maintains a busy surgical practice specializing in pediatric and adult endoscopic ear surgery for chronic ear disease, otosclerosis, and cochlear implantation for both single-sided deafness and bilateral hearing loss.</p>