Tobias Riede

Tobias Riede, D.V.M., Ph.D. is an Associate Professor of Physiology at Midwestern University with appointments across multiple colleges including the College of Health Sciences-Glendale, College of Graduate Studies - Arizona, Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine, and College of Veterinary Medicine. His research focuses on vocal communication mechanisms across various vertebrate species, investigating how respiratory and vocal movements integrate to generate voice and how phenotypic variation of the vocal apparatus contributes to acoustic variation.

Dr. Riede earned his D.V.M. and Ph.D. from institutions in Berlin, Germany in 2000. His educational background bridges veterinary medicine and biological sciences, providing a unique perspective on vocal physiology. His laboratory employs neurophysiological techniques, macroscopic and microscopic imaging, sound analysis, and biomechanical testing to explore vocal behavior in vertebrates.

Analysis of Dr. Riede's recent publications reveals a strong focus on vocal production mechanisms across diverse species including rodents, birds, and amphibians. His research demonstrates how anatomical structures relate to acoustic output, with particular attention to developmental changes, evolutionary adaptations, and biomechanical constraints. Recent work has examined vocal development in mice, laryngeal changes during human puberty, and the relationship between vocal learning and tonality in birds.

Dr. Riede has secured significant research funding including multiple NIH grants (R21, U24, R01), an NSF Collaborative Research grant, and funding from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation. His current NIH R21 project "The Influence of Vocal Loading Upon the Healing of Experimental Vocal Fold Injury" runs from 2022-2026.

• Current Major Grants:
• The Influence of Vocal Loading Upon the Healing of Experimental Vocal Fold Injury (NIH R21, 2022-2026)
• The Effect of Obesity on the Form and Function of the Upper Respiratory Airways in the Mouse Model (NIH-U24 Subcontract, 2020-2022)
• The Role of Vocal Ligament in Fundamental Frequency and Adduction Control (NIH-R01 Subcontract, 2020-2024)
• Collaborative Research: Evolution of Long-distance Communication in Vocal Rodents (NSF, 2018-2023)

As an educator, Dr. Riede teaches Veterinary Physiology I and II courses at Midwestern University. His teaching directly connects to his research expertise in physiological mechanisms of vocal production, providing students with opportunities to learn neurophysiological techniques, imaging methods, sound analysis, and biomechanical tests.