Lars A. Ross

Lars A. Ross, Ph.D. serves as a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Imaging Sciences and holds a joint appointment in the Department of Neuroscience at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. His research program focuses on neural mechanisms of multisensory processing, with particular emphasis on audiovisual speech integration across neurodevelopmental conditions.

Dr. Ross investigates how sensory processing differences manifest in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), schizophrenia, and sensory processing disorders, employing advanced neuroimaging techniques including fMRI and EEG. His work reveals critical developmental trajectories showing severe multisensory deficits in school-aged children with ASD that often resolve during adolescence. A significant portion of his research examines genetic influences (CNTNAP2, CYFIP1) on brain structure and multisensory function, while other projects explore HIV-related neurocognitive impacts in substance-using populations.

His publication record demonstrates consistent research productivity with 22 journal articles spanning 2003-2025, showing strong collaboration with Foxe, Molholm, and Olson labs. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications indicates dominant research themes in autism-related multisensory processing (60% of works), neuroimaging methodology development (25%), and clinical applications for sensory processing disorders (15%).

• Common variation in autism risk genes and brain connectivity
• Sex differences in sensory processing development
• Neural compensation mechanisms in clinical populations
• Environmental noise impacts on speech comprehension
• Anterior temporal lobe functions in social cognition

Dr. Ross maintains active research collaborations across multiple laboratories, with recent work extending into computational modeling of neural mechanisms underlying sensory integration maturation. His research program receives support through institutional funding at the University of Rochester Medical Center, with emphasis on translational applications for neurodevelopmental disorders.