Laura Corns

Dr. Laura Corns is an Associate University Teacher at the School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, where she has been a faculty member since 2017. Her research focuses on auditory neuroscience, specifically investigating neural communication mechanisms in the inner ear and their deterioration during age-related hearing loss.

Her educational background includes:

• PhD in Biomedical Science, University of Leeds (2009-2012)
• BSc (Hons) Human Physiology with a Year in Industry, University of Leeds (2005-2009)

Dr. Corns studies how sensory hair cells communicate with afferent and efferent neurons in the cochlea, employing electrophysiology, immunohistochemistry, and two-photon imaging. Her work examines age-related reductions in hair cell-neuron connections and altered efferent signaling patterns, aiming to identify pharmacological interventions that preserve youthful communication patterns to combat presbycusis.

Her 13 publications from 2010-2025 reveal consistent specialization in cochlear physiology and auditory neuroscience, with recent expansion into bioscience education. Key thematic threads include molecular mechanisms of mechanotransduction, genetic factors in hearing loss, and innovative teaching methodologies for physiology education.

Scientific recognition includes:

• Action on Hearing Loss Pauline Ashley Fellow (2017-2018)
• Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy

Dr. Corns serves as thesis mentor for University of Sheffield students and coordinates multiple teaching modules including BMS108 Physiology with Pharmacology and BMS242 Advanced Physiology & Pharmacology Practicals. She developed an in-vivo zebrafish physiology practical to teach autonomic system principles. Her grant history includes the Action on Hearing Loss fellowship supporting her cochlear aging research.

She collaborates with Professor Walter Marcotti (University of Sheffield) and Dr. Mike Bowl (MRC Harwell), and actively participates in outreach initiatives through the Physiological Society where she serves as University of Sheffield representative.