Lee Miller is a Professor in the Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior at the University of California, Davis, College of Biological Sciences. His research integrates neural engineering, physiology, and computational methods to develop communication restoration technologies and investigate sensory processing mechanisms. His primary research interests include neural engineering for speech neuroprosthetics, electrophysiological analysis of speech production, auditory neuroscience, and geometric approaches to neuromuscular signal decoding. He employs surface electromyography (EMG), electroencephalography (EEG), and computational modeling to study brain-machine interfaces for speech restoration and multisensory integration. Recent publications reveal a dominant focus on EMG-based speech neuroprostheses, with geometric and topological analysis of neuromuscular signals emerging as a key methodology. His lab has pioneered non-invasive approaches to speech articulation decoding, created standardized EMG databases, and investigated neural mechanisms of attention in speech-in-noise processing. This work bridges engineering innovation with fundamental neuroscience to address communication disorders. Professor Miller leads the Miller Lab at UC Davis, which specializes in neural engineering for communication restoration. The lab develops real-time speech synthesis systems from neural signals and investigates the physiological basis of speech production and perception using multimodal recording techniques.
Andrea Megela Simmons is a Professor at Brown University in the Department of Cognitive, Linguistic, and Psychological Sciences with a secondary appointment in the Department of Neuroscience . She is a member of the Carney Institute for Brain Science and serves as a Principal Investigator on an ONR MURI project. Education : A.B. from the University of Pennsylvania (1973), Ph.D. from Harvard University (1978), Postdoctoral research at Cornell University Simmons specializes in cognitive and neural mechanisms of sound perception and communication across species including frogs, bats, dolphins, and humans. Her work bridges behavioral neuroscience, comparative neurology, and developmental studies to explore auditory processing, echolocation, and sensory integration. Her recent publications highlight interdisciplinary trends in auditory neuroscience, focusing on sound exposure effects, metamorphic neurodevelopment, and sensory-motor coordination in cluttered environments. Key subfields include echolocation, lateral line function, tectal connectivity, and acoustic adaptation across species. Scientific Awards : Fellow, Acoustical Society of America Simmons has received grants from the Office of Naval Research (ONR) for MURI projects and has taught courses such as Animal Behavior , Evolution and Development of the Brain , and Auditory Perception Laboratory .
Donguk Lee is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Audiology and Speech Language Pathology at the University of North Texas. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (2023) and previously worked as an audiologist in clinical and hearing aid settings. He also served as a medic in the South Korean Navy, providing medical support in naval and land-based environments. His research focuses on preventing noise-induced hearing loss through studies of auditory efferent systems, leveraging techniques like otoacoustic emissions and auditory evoked potentials. Dr. Lee’s work addresses both clinical and environmental aspects of hearing conservation. His recent studies explore variability in medial olivocochlear reflex responses to noise exposure and the interplay between efferent unmasking and cortical processing. Earlier work assessed noise levels in stadiums, subways, and other public spaces, linking environmental noise to hearing health risks and public attitudes. He was awarded the 2022 Student Research Grant in Audiology from ASHA for his innovative contributions to hearing loss prevention. His articles span from 2014 to 2023, reflecting a trajectory from hearing aid technology development to advanced auditory physiology and environmental noise policy implications.
Dr. Conny Kopp-Scheinpflug is an Associate Professor (PD) at the Faculty of Biology, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, where she leads a research group focused on auditory neuroscience. Her laboratory investigates the function and mechanisms of activity-dependent neuromodulation in the mammalian auditory system, with particular interest in how ambient sensory stimulation activates neuromodulators and how these influence neural processing of relevant information. Dr. Kopp-Scheinpflug's research spans auditory neuroscience, neuromodulation, neuronal excitability, and synaptic transmission. She employs electrophysiological (single cell in vivo and patch clamp in brain slices), anatomical, and optogenetic techniques to study how hyper- or hypo stimulation lead to acquisition or loss of function in the auditory system. Her work has significant implications for understanding and potentially treating functional disorders of neuronal excitability. Current research examines potassium channels, nitric oxide signaling, and neuromodulators like urocortin 3 in auditory processing. Analysis of Dr. Kopp-Scheinpflug's recent publications (2016-2022) reveals consistent focus on auditory processing mechanisms, particularly potassium channels (Kv3.1, Kv3.3, Kv1.1), nitric oxide signaling, and activity-dependent changes in myelination. Her research spans molecular mechanisms to systems-level auditory processing, with emphasis on sound localization, temporal processing, and recovery from hearing impairment. Key findings include how sound-evoked activity influences myelination, how nitric oxide regulates postsynaptic excitability, and how urocortin 3 aids hearing recovery. Dr. Kopp-Scheinpflug has secured funding from multiple research agencies. She maintains active collaborations with researchers at Lehigh University (Michael Burger Lab), University of Edinburgh (Matthias Hennig Lab), Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (Michal Hershfinkel Lab), and UCL (Dr. Jennifer Linden). Her laboratory currently includes Ezhilarasan Rajaram, Dr. Mihai Stancu, Oskar Kalle Juhani Markkula, Sara Pagella, and Katharine Krueger. Past lab members who have completed their training include Dr. James Sinclair, Dr. Matthew Fischl, Max Bayer, Alkmini Damkou, Alyahyay Mansour, Leander Mrowka, Joseph Kroeger, and Myriam Schmidt-Pauly.
Fatemeh Mollaei is a Lecturer in Clinical Language Sciences at the University of Reading, affiliated with the School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences. She is a core member of the Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Neurodynamics (CINN), focusing on neurophysiological mechanisms of speech disorders. Her work integrates behavioral, electrophysiological, and neuroimaging techniques to study Parkinson’s disease (PD) and develops neuro-rehabilitation methods using non-invasive brain stimulation (e.g., TMS, tDCS). Her research explores how sensory and motor systems interact during speech production in PD, employing tools like EEG, fMRI, and MEG. She investigates microstructural white matter changes and auditory processing deficits linked to speech impairments, aiming to translate findings into clinical interventions. Her studies also address broader topics like sensorimotor adaptation and stuttering, emphasizing translational neuroscience. Publications highlight trends in neuroimaging of speech disorders, auditory feedback mechanisms, and neuroplasticity in PD. While no formal awards are listed, her contributions to understanding speech motor control and rehabilitation practices are significant. Advising and grant details are not explicitly provided, but her involvement in interdisciplinary CINN projects suggests active collaborative research. Labs/Teams: Active contributor to the Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Neurodynamics (CINN) at the University of Reading, collaborating on translational neuroscience projects.
Lee M. Miller is a Professor and Vice Chair of Academic Affairs in the Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior at the University of California, Davis, affiliated with the Center for Mind and Brain. His research focuses on neuroengineering, computational neuroscience, and neural mechanisms underlying attention, speech processing, and multisensory integration. Research interests include the development of neural prosthetics, decoding of neuromuscular signals for prosthetic control, and understanding how auditory and visual systems interact during speech perception and attentional processes. His work bridges clinical applications (e.g., cochlear implants) with fundamental neuroscience, leveraging tools like electrophysiological recordings, EEG/MEG, and advanced signal processing techniques. Recent publications highlight innovations in electromyographic speech neuroprosthetics, the topology of neuromuscular signals, and the neural basis of speech-in-noise processing. Miller’s studies emphasize translational potential, such as improving speech synthesis from brain signals and designing haptic feedback systems for motor coordination. His contributions have advanced understanding of neural mechanisms in sensory integration, auditory attention, and the impact of cognitive factors on perception. Miller maintains a lab dedicated to these interdisciplinary efforts, with a focus on both basic science and clinical applications.
Professor Steve Bell is a faculty member at the University of Southampton, specializing in auditory neuroscience and biomedical engineering. He leads the EPSRC-funded project 'Personalized fitting and evaluation of hearing aids with EEG responses' and is a registered Clinical Scientist. His research focuses on measuring brain responses to sound for hearing and balance system evaluation, optimizing hearing aid technologies, and improving diagnostic methods for infants and elderly patients. He manages the Hearing and Balance Centre Clinic and holds roles in professional organizations like the International Evoked Response Audiometry Study Group. Education & Roles: Professor at University of Southampton Lead researcher on EPSRC project (2015-2025) Council member, International Evoked Response Audiometry Study Group Research Interests: Steve's work centers on evoked responses in hearing and balance systems, evaluating hearing aids/cochlear implants, and developing objective neurophysiological assessment techniques. His lab explores speech processing, signal analysis, and clinical applications of EEG-based methods. Awards: Vice-Chancellor's Teaching Award (201X) Advising & Grants: Accepting PhD students in audiology and biomedical engineering. Principal investigator on EPSRC grant £X million. Collaborates with Prof. David Simpson and Dr. Ben Lineton in the Signal Processing Audio and Hearing Group. Labs & Teams: Part of the Signal Processing Audio and Hearing Group, focusing on technological innovation in auditory signal processing and audiological diagnostics.
Efthymios Papatzikis is a Professor of Infant Brain Development at Oslo Metropolitan University’s Faculty of Education and International Studies. He leads the Advanced Health Intelligence and Brain-Inspired Technologies (ADEPT) Research Group, focusing on brain development in the first 1500 days of life using neuroimaging, behavioral analysis, and AI-driven tools. Research Focus: Multimodal neuroimaging (qEEG, ABR, aEEG), computational neuroscience, AI in NICU diagnostics, and personalized sound/music interventions. Collaborations: Harvard University, Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, UCL, and Bergen University. Editorial Roles: Associate Editor for Frontiers in Pediatric Psychology, Guest Editor for Frontiers in Pediatric Neurology. His work bridges neuroscience with clinical neonatal care, emphasizing family-centered medicine and precision diagnostics. Recent projects include EU Cost Action CA22111 on real-world environments’ impact on brain development. Scientific Awards: Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), UK Certified Specialist in Social Prescribing by the World Health Organization He contributes to journals as reviewer and editor, co-develops computational tools for NICU EEG analysis, and advises international foundations on maternal/child health and early childhood education.
W Robert J Funnell serves as Associate Professor at McGill University with dual appointments in the Department of Biomedical Engineering and Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. His research addresses critical clinical challenges in hearing loss through integrated experimental and computational methodologies, focusing on translational applications for infant diagnostics and surgical interventions. His expertise spans middle-ear mechanics, three-dimensional modeling of biological structures, and development of interactive medical education tools. Core methodologies include finite-element analysis, laser Doppler vibrometry, and haptic-enabled virtual reality systems. Current priorities involve improving newborn hearing screening accuracy, designing middle-ear repair techniques, and creating 3D anatomical models for surgical training – particularly in endoscopy simulation using force feedback technology. Analysis of his 2015-2024 publications reveals persistent innovation in finite-element modeling of auditory systems, with increasing emphasis on newborn ear mechanics and optical coherence tomography applications. His work bridges biomedical engineering, otolaryngology, and medical education, demonstrating consistent progression from fundamental biomechanics toward clinical implementation – notably in Quebec's newborn hearing screening programs and endoscopic sinus surgery training models.
Dr. Albert Berrebi is a Professor and Vice-Chair for Research in the Department of Neuroscience at the West Virginia University School of Medicine . He also holds a faculty position at the Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute and is a member of the WVU Cancer Institute Research Programs . Research Interests: The Berrebi lab investigates the organization of neuronal microcircuits in the central auditory pathway, focusing on chemical phenotypes via immunocytochemical techniques. Their work employs: Brain microinjections for tract-tracing Electron microscopy for ultrastructural analysis In vivo extracellular recordings of auditory neurons Pharmacological receptor blocking to study inhibition Key research areas span the superior olive nuclei (MNTB and SPON), synaptic connectivity, and auditory prosthetics. Recent publications highlight studies on forward masking, postinhibitory rebound spiking, and ketamine effects. Techniques: The lab integrates anatomical, physiological, and cytological methods, including light/electron microscopy and electrophysiology. Their long-term goal is to advance understanding of auditory neural mechanisms and improve cochlear prostheses for hearing impairment.
Siobhan Brennan is a Lecturer in Audiology at the Division of Psychology Communication and Human Neuroscience (L5). She holds external roles as an Educator at ERA Training & Consultancy Ltd and a Lead Clinical Scientist (Audiology) at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Her expertise spans Hearing Impairment, Intellectual Disability, and Learning Disorders, with contributions to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to Education. Dr. Brennan’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Engineering in Music Technology (University of York, 1997), Master in Science in Audiological Science (University of Manchester, 1998), a PhD in Audiology (University of Sheffield, 2004), and a Master of Arts in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (University of Kent, 2023). Her research focuses on audiological assessment and rehabilitation, particularly in populations with co-occurring disabilities. Notable work includes exploring AI in medical education and addressing hearing care needs in dementia patients. She received the 2024 Teaching Excellence Award for leadership in flexible learning and digital delivery. Her articles highlight interdisciplinary approaches to audiology, including pediatric testing, dementia-related hearing challenges, and AI applications in healthcare education. Collaborations span academic and clinical institutions, emphasizing practical solutions for complex audiological cases.
Howard Nusbaum is a Professor in the Psychology Department within the Social Sciences Division at the University of Chicago. His research has focused since 1986 on perceptual learning, attention, and working memory, with significant contributions to understanding speech perception, auditory processing, and more recently, the science of wisdom. His laboratory employs a wide range of methods including high-density EEG, fMRI analysis, auditory brainstem recordings, and sophisticated speech analysis tools. Education: BA in Computer Science and Psychology from Brandeis University (1976) PhD in Cognitive Psychology from State University of New York at Buffalo (1981) Postdoctoral training in Speech, Hearing, and Sensory Communication from Indiana University (1984) Nusbaum's research investigates how humans learn and process speech and other auditory information, with particular emphasis on the role of attention, working memory, and sleep in perceptual learning. His laboratory has made groundbreaking contributions, including the first scientific evidence for sleep consolidation of generalized learning, the first behavioral evidence for functional effects of sleep consolidation in songbirds, and the discovery that adults can learn perfect pitch with this learning dependent on working memory capacity. His recent work has expanded to explore the cognitive neuroscience of wisdom, investigating how self-transcendent experiences contribute to wise reasoning. Nusbaum's publication record demonstrates consistent high-impact research across cognitive neuroscience, with recent work spanning from basic mechanisms of speech perception to broader questions about wisdom and decision-making. His research shows an evolving trajectory from foundational work on perceptual learning and speech processing toward more complex questions about higher cognitive functions and their neural underpinnings, with publications extending into 2025. Scientific Awards: 2018 Stella M. Rowley Professor of Psychology 2014 Fellow, The Psychonomic Society 2012 Llewellyn John and Harriet Manchester Quantrell Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching 2009 Fellow, Association for Psychological Science 2007 Future Faculty Mentorship Award Nusbaum has successfully mentored numerous graduate students and postdoctoral trainees who have gone on to become tenured faculty at prestigious institutions worldwide. His NIH-funded research on 'Structure and Process in Speech Perception' has supported his work for many years. His laboratory provides comprehensive training in behavioral research methods, signal processing, statistical analysis, human electrophysiology, and computational modeling. The APEX (Attention, Perception, and Executive-function eXperience) lab at the University of Chicago, which Nusbaum directs, is equipped for high-density EEG measurements, fMRI data analysis, auditory brainstem recordings, and a wide range of speech analysis tools. The lab conducts research with human participants, including nap studies with polysomnography. Nusbaum also contributes to the UChicago Center for Practical Wisdom, reflecting his expanding research interests into the cognitive neuroscience of wisdom.
Dr. Shruti Deshpande serves as an Associate Professor and Vincentian Research Fellow in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at St. John's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, St. John's University. She also holds the leadership position of Director of the Doctor of Audiology Program and was named an ASHA Innovator in 2024. Dr. Deshpande is actively involved in the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association as a board member of the Multicultural Issues Board (2023-2025) and serves as a subject matter expert for the ASHA Practice Portal in Audiology. Her research focuses at the intersection of audiology and social justice, particularly on accessible and affordable hearing health services for diverse and vulnerable populations. Dr. Deshpande has pioneered community-based research approaches, developing innovative service-learning models that address hearing health disparities. Her work emphasizes cultural competence and aims to increase awareness of audiology as a profession among ethnically diverse adolescents through educational interventions. Analysis of Dr. Deshpande's publication record reveals consistent focus on health equity in audiology, with significant attention to representation in clinical research, social media's role in health information dissemination, and innovative approaches to hearing healthcare delivery. Her work spans multiple subfields including tinnitus research, central auditory processing disorders, electrophysiology, pediatric audiology, and cross-cultural assessment tools. ASHA Innovator (2024) Vincentian Research Fellow Faculty Excellence Award in Community-Based Outcomes and Poverty Research (2022) Multiple Faculty Recognition Awards for Excellence in Research & Scholarship (2017, 2019, 2020, 2021) Values and Inclusion Program Honoree (2020-21) Excellence in Teaching Award from National Society of Leadership and Success (2018) Dr. Deshpande has successfully mentored numerous undergraduate and graduate students, with many serving as co-authors on peer-reviewed publications and presenting at conferences. Her grant portfolio demonstrates significant external funding support, including awards from the Faculty Research Consortium, ASHA's Advancing Academic-Research Careers Award, HearX Group, and multiple internal university grants totaling over $25,000. Her current projects focus on hearing health access for diverse communities, community-based hearing assessment approaches, and innovative teaching methods that integrate technology with service learning. As Director of the Doctor of Audiology Program, Dr. Deshpande oversees a robust curriculum that includes specialized courses in Central Auditory Processing Disorder, Electrophysiology, Pediatric Audiology, and Hearing Science. Her community engagement extends beyond the classroom through partnerships with Liberty Partnership Program and other initiatives aimed at increasing awareness of hearing health and audiology careers among underserved populations.
Prof. Dr. Sabine Begall is a Researcher at the Department of General Zoology , Faculty of Biology , University of Duisburg-Essen. With over 25 years of experience, she focuses on the sensory ecology of subterranean mammals, particularly Fukomys anselli , exploring magnetoreception , acoustic communication , visual adaptations , and physiological responses to underground environments . Key Research Areas: Subterranean mammal sensory ecology Thyroid hormone regulation in aging Magnetic field orientation mechanisms Comparative auditory and visual systems Domestication syndrome in rodents Evolutionary adaptations in burrowing species Recent Article Trends: 2025 study on retinal ganglion cell diversity in microphthalmic mammals 2024 thyroid hormone and hypoxia research in mole-rats 2023 comparative analyses of burrow acoustics and dental structures Scientific Awards: Honor for outstanding dissertation (2001), University of Essen Fritz Frank Prize (2001), German Society for Mammalogy She serves as a reviewer for journals including Journal of Morphology , Animal Behaviour , and Scientific Reports , and has contributed to major publications on subterranean rodent ecology.
Ross Maddox, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Michigan, where he is affiliated with the Kresge Hearing Research Institute. Previously, he served on the faculty of the Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Neuroscience at the University of Rochester. His academic journey includes a B.S. in Sound Engineering from the University of Michigan, followed by an M.S. and Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from Boston University. He completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Washington Institute for Learning & Brain Sciences (I-LABS). Educations: B.S. in Sound Engineering, University of Michigan M.S. in Biomedical Engineering, Boston University Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering, Boston University Research Interests: The Maddox Lab focuses on understanding how the human brain processes auditory information in complex environments. Research combines electroencephalography (EEG) and psychophysics to study selective attention and listening. Key areas include: Development of the parallel auditory brainstem response (pABR) for rapid, comprehensive hearing diagnostics in infants Investigation of subcortical neural responses to natural sounds, enabling studies of real-world listening behaviors like the 'cocktail party problem' Integration of auditory and visual cues for sensory processing Labs & Teams: The Maddox Lab operates within the Kresge Hearing Research Institute, collaborating across disciplines to bridge basic science, clinical applications, and methodological innovation. Current projects emphasize diagnostic tool development and translational research for hearing healthcare.
