Find Academic Supervisors

Pasquale Bottalico serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Speech and Hearing Science at the University of Illinois, with dual appointments as Associate Professor at the Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies and Affiliate Faculty in the School of Music. His unique interdisciplinary profile bridges engineering, music performance, and speech science, reflecting his dual academic training and professional artistry. His educational foundation includes: Bachelor's in Telecommunications Engineering from Univeristà Mediterranea di Reggio Calabria, Italy Concurrent Opera Singing degree from F. Cilea Music Academy, Reggio Calabria Master's in Telecommunications Engineering from Politecnico di Torino, Italy Ph.D. in Metrology specializing in acoustics measurement uncertainty and classroom acoustics Dr. Bottalico's research centers on vocal load quantification and professional voice techniques , with significant contributions to understanding vocal fatigue in teachers and singers. His work spans Speech Intelligibility in educational environments, Room Acoustics for performance and learning spaces, and Musical Acoustics of historical vocal styles. A distinctive thread throughout his research examines how acoustic conditions modulate voice production and perception, increasingly incorporating virtual reality and bone conduction technologies for innovative assessment and intervention approaches. His Colombian vocal health study demonstrates cross-cultural applications of his work. Analysis of his 2023-2025 publications reveals three dominant research trajectories: (1) The impact of noise and dysphonia on children's speech processing in educational settings, using multimodal assessment including EEG; (2) Virtual reality applications for voice production research and therapeutic intervention; (3) Cross-cultural validation of vocal fatigue metrics and development of biofeedback systems. His work consistently bridges engineering precision with clinical applicability, particularly for professional voice users in challenging acoustic environments. No scientific awards were documented in the available information. While specific advising relationships aren't detailed, his research collaborations span international institutions including Colombian and Italian universities, suggesting graduate mentorship in interdisciplinary projects. No grant information was provided, though his systematic reviews and cross-cultural studies imply externally funded research activities. Though no dedicated laboratory is specified, his virtual reality voice studies and acoustic parameter assessments suggest affiliations with audio engineering facilities and voice clinics, likely through the Speech and Hearing Science department's research infrastructure.

• Vocal Load
• Professional Voice Techniques
• Singer Techniques
• +3 more

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.

• Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
• Auditory Efferent Systems
• Otoacoustic Emissions
• +4 more

Jessica A. Mong, PhD , is a Professor in the Department of Pharmacology & Physiology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine , where she also serves as Assistant Dean for Graduate & Post-Doctoral Studies and Director of Graduate Education for the Program in Neuroscience. Her research focuses on the neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying sex differences in sleep circuitry and the estrogenic modulation of sleep-wake cycles. Primary Appointment: Pharmacology & Physiology Administrative Title: Assistant Dean for Graduate & Post-Doctoral Studies Laboratory Director: Program in Neuroscience Research Interests: Dr. Mong's work investigates how ovarian steroids influence sleep-wake behavior through sexually differentiated neuroanatomical substrates. Key areas include: Mechanisms of estrogenic modulation in the median preoptic nucleus (MnPN) Developmental programming of sex differences in sleep sensitivity Translational studies using rodent and nonhuman primate models of menopause Functional significance of hormonal influences on sleep quality and recovery Scientific Trends: Her recent publications (2023-2025) emphasize: Role of KCNMA1 channelopathy in sleep regulation Adenosinergic signaling in MnPN Translational menopause models Estrogen's protective effects against noise-induced hearing loss Sex-dependent responses to kynurenine pathway challenges Awards & Appointments: NIH BIRCWH Scholar (Building Interdisciplinary Research Careers in Women's Health) Co-Chair, Society for Women’s Health Research Interdisciplinary Research Network on Sex-Differences in Sleep Health NIH/NHLBI R01 HL129138 grant recipient Education & Training: B.S., Biology, Gettysburg College (1987-1991) Ph.D., Neuropharmacology, University of Maryland Baltimore (1994-2000) NIH Postdoctoral Fellowship in Endocrinology, Rockefeller University (2000-2003)

• Neuropharmacology
• Neuroendocrinology
• Sleep Research
• +3 more

Dr. Uzma Khan is an Associate Professor in the Marketing department at the Miami Herbert Business School , University of Miami. She serves as the PhD Coordinator for Marketing and focuses on consumer behavior, diversity and inclusion, prosocial behavior, and health communication. Academic Role: Associate Professor, PhD Coordinator Affiliation: University of Miami Her research explores how diversity in advertising influences brand perception, the dynamics of prosocial behavior in hyperconnected societies, and risk-taking tendencies in public health contexts. She has contributed to understanding consumer responses to stockouts, emotional influences on decision-making, and the ethical implications of corporate diversity. Her work often bridges marketing, psychology, and behavioral economics, with recent studies addressing emergency care training models in low-income countries and noise-induced hearing loss risk factors. Dr. Khan's publications highlight trends in diversity-driven branding , prosocial decision-making , and health-related consumer behavior . Her collaborative efforts span interdisciplinary topics, including technology-enabled giving and the moral perception of market actors. While no explicit scientific awards are listed, her contributions to academic literature and curriculum development underscore her impact.

• Consumer Behavior
• Marketing
• Diversity and Inclusion
• +6 more

Benjamin D. Auerbach is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He holds additional affiliations with the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology and the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology. His research focuses on neural mechanisms of sensory processing and plasticity, particularly in the auditory system, with emphasis on neurodevelopmental disorders like autism spectrum disorders and hearing impairments such as hyperacusis. Auerbach uses rodent models and multidisciplinary techniques including electrophysiology, optogenetics, and behavioral analysis to study experience-dependent plasticity and its disruption in disease. He completed his Ph.D. at MIT and postdoctoral training at the University at Buffalo's Center for Hearing and Deafness. His awards include the NARSAD Young Investigator Award and Blavatnik Award Nominee recognition. His lab actively investigates auditory hypersensitivity in Fragile X Syndrome and the functional neuroanatomy of tinnitus/hyperacusis, aiming to translate findings into therapies. Key research themes include: 1) Auditory perception and plasticity; 2) Mechanisms of sound processing deficits in ASD; 3) Central auditory gain control following hearing loss. Recent grants include NIH funding to study autism-related sensory hypersensitivity mechanisms. Lab members include postdocs, graduate students, and undergraduates. Notable collaborations span neuroscience, physiology, and bioengineering. Future directions emphasize developing transgenic rat models and optogenetic tools for studying circuit-level dysfunction in ASD.

• Neuroscience
• Neurobiology
• Optogenetics
• +5 more

Benjamin J. Perrin is an Associate Professor at Indiana University studying the cell biology of age-related hearing loss. His research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms that maintain and repair hair cells in the inner ear, which are critical for hearing and balance function. Dr. Perrin's research spans several interconnected fields: Cell Biology of sensory systems Developmental Biology of the inner ear Cellular & Molecular mechanisms of hearing Developmental Neurobiology related to auditory function Cytoskeletal dynamics in specialized sensory cells His laboratory investigates how the precise architecture of hair cell stereocilia - the actin-based protrusions essential for hearing - is maintained throughout an organism's lifespan. This research has significant implications for understanding and potentially treating age-related and noise-induced hearing loss, which affect millions of people worldwide since humans are born with approximately 20,000 of these non-renewable sensory cells. Dr. Perrin's work centers on the regulation and remodeling of actin filaments within stereocilia, seeking to uncover fundamental cell biological processes that could inform future therapeutic approaches for hearing disorders by addressing how these stable structures are maintained over time.

• Cell Biology
• Developmental Biology
• Cellular & Molecular Biology
• +5 more

Dr. Elizabeth Meyer (she/her) is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the School of Communication , Northwestern University , specializing in audiology through the Northwestern University Center for Audiology and Speech Language Learning . Her work focuses on diagnosing and treating adult hearing impairments, particularly tinnitus, and advancing hearing loss prevention strategies. Education : Au.D. from Northern Illinois University B.A. from The University of Minnesota Dr. Meyer’s research explores innovative approaches to aural rehabilitation, including her longitudinal project P-Chat on alternative hearing loss treatment models. She also developed a virtual seminar series addressing hearing aid compatibility with masks, tinnitus management, and noise-induced hearing loss prevention. Her clinical practice emphasizes patient advocacy and community outreach. She teaches courses such as Foundations in Clinical and Professional Practice and Clinical Practicum in Audiology .

• Communication Sciences
• Hearing
• Hearing Loss Prevention
• +2 more

Dr. Mishaela DiNino studies how age-related changes in auditory processing affect sound perception, particularly speech understanding. Her research examines cochlear implant outcomes, spectrotemporal processing, and noise-induced hearing deficits using behavioral and electrophysiological methods.

• Auditory Perception
• Cochlear Implants
• Speech Perception
• +2 more

Cristina Espinosa-Diez, PhD is an Assistant Professor of Molecular Medicine and Genetics and of Physiology at Wayne State University's School of Medicine in Detroit, Michigan. Her research focuses on understanding how cancer therapies shape the epigenetic landscape of vascular cells, potentially giving rise to long-term vascular complications through non-coding RNA mechanisms. Education PhD in Molecular Biology and Biomedicine from University Complutense, Madrid, Spain (2015) Postdoctoral researcher at Oregon Health and Science University (2015-2019) Postdoctoral fellow at University of Pittsburgh's Vascular Medicine Institute (2019-2023) Dr. Espinosa-Diez leads a non-coding-RNA laboratory investigating the response of long-non-coding RNAs to different anti-cancer agents and their role in vascular remodeling during disease progression. Her work integrates molecular biology, epigenetics, and vascular biology to understand how cancer treatments impact vascular health, with particular focus on microRNAs and their regulatory functions in endothelial and smooth muscle cells. Her research spans from basic mechanisms of epigenetic regulation to translational applications in cancer therapy complications. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on non-coding RNA regulation in vascular biology, particularly examining how microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs influence smooth muscle cell phenotype, endothelial function, and vascular responses to stressors like radiation and metabolic syndrome. Her work demonstrates how epigenetic modifications, particularly histone methylation and non-coding RNA expression, govern vascular cell identity and function in both health and disease contexts. Scientific Awards American Heart Career Development Award Dr. Espinosa-Diez established her independent research program at Wayne State University in October 2023 after completing her postdoctoral training. Her laboratory investigates the intersection of cancer therapy, epigenetics, and vascular biology, with particular emphasis on understanding how treatments like radiation impact vascular cells through non-coding RNA mechanisms. She maintains active collaborations with researchers at multiple institutions and has developed a productive publication record spanning basic molecular mechanisms to potential clinical implications. Though currently not accepting new graduate students for 2025/2026, she has previously mentored students and postdoctoral researchers in her field. The Espinosa-Diez Lab functions as an interdisciplinary research team employing molecular, cellular, and epigenetic approaches to understand vascular complications associated with cancer treatments. The laboratory investigates how non-coding RNAs mediate the vascular side effects of cancer therapies, with potential implications for developing strategies to protect vascular health during oncological treatment.

• Molecular Biology
• Epigenetics
• Vascular Biology
• +5 more

Liman Liu is an Associate Research Scientist at the Yale School of Medicine, affiliated with the Department of Internal Medicine at Yale University. Their research focuses on auditory system physiology, neurodegenerative diseases, and inner ear biology. Key projects include investigating hearing sensitivity mechanisms, Alzheimer’s disease biomarkers, and the impact of genetic mutations on cochlear function. Research interests span hearing protection mechanisms, genetic influences on auditory disorders, and the intersection of neuroscience with otolaryngology. Notable contributions include studies on Cx26 mutations and hyperacusis, efferent neuron roles in hearing protection, and early Alzheimer’s detection via auditory deficits. Liu’s work integrates molecular biology, electrophysiology, and animal models to address hearing loss and neurodegenerative challenges. Collaborative efforts aim to advance therapies for ototoxicity and neurosensory disorders.

• Hearing Science
• Neuroscience
• Otolaryngology
• +3 more

Dr. King Chung is a Professor at the Mass General Hospital Institute of Health Professions , specializing in Audiology under the Communication Sciences and Disorders school. Her career spans research, education, and humanitarian efforts in hearing health. B.S. , Communicative Disorders, Utah State University M.A. , Audiology, University of Memphis Ph.D. , Audiology, Northwestern University Dr. Chung's research focuses on amplification , calibration methods , and humanitarian audiology . She pioneered a game-based automated hearing test app for low-resource settings and holds 4 US patents (3 granted, 1 pending) for innovative hearing device enhancements. Herscholarly work from 2023-2025 emphasizes over-the-counter hearing aids , war-induced hearing loss in Ukraine, and mobile calibration tools . Her studies also address cross-cultural audiometric standards and automated hearing screening for refugee populations. Excellence in Research Award (NIU, 2013) AAA Humanitarian Award (2020) Promoting Academic Equity/Diversity in Service (2023) Excellence in Service Award (NIU, 2019) Dr. Chung led >10 international humanitarian trips across 8 countries, including recent initiatives for Ukrainian refugees in Poland. She co-created the Coalition for Global Hearing Health and developed a low-cost calibration system improving access to audiological services.

• Audiology
• Hearing Aid Technology
• Calibration Methods
• +3 more

Maoli Duan is an Associate Professor and Senior Consultant at the Karolinska Institutet , affiliated with the Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology under the Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases division. With over 150 peer-reviewed publications, his translational research bridges animal models and clinical applications in otolaryngology. Academic Rank: Associate Professor (Karolinska Institutet, 2006) Doctoral Degree: Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet (1999) Research Focus Dr. Duan's work centers on gene therapy and stem cell treatments for sensorineural hearing loss , with recent breakthroughs in AAV vector delivery for congenital deafness. His 2025 Nature Medicine study demonstrated hearing restoration in patients with OTOF gene mutations through viral gene replacement. Publication Trends His 15 most recent articles (2023-2025) span biomedical engineering , clinical otology , and translational neuroscience . Key subfields include inner ear drug delivery , cochlear implants , gene therapy protocols , and viral vector optimization . Notably, his team has pioneered non-invasive approaches to treating Meniere's disease and noise-induced hearing loss . Collaborative Networks Dr. Duan collaborates with institutions across Europe , Asia , and North America , with recurring co-authors from Karolinska Institutet , University of Gothenburg , and Shanghai Jiao Tong University . His work appears in Nature Medicine , PNAS , and Advanced Science . Scientific Context Dr. Duan's research aligns with global efforts to address genetic hearing disorders through molecular interventions. His team's clinical trials demonstrate that gene therapy can restore near-normal hearing in OTOF mutation carriers without major adverse events, opening new pathways for non-invasive auditory restoration in both pediatric and adult populations.

• Otolaryngology
• Gene Therapy
• Stem Cell Therapy
• +3 more

Anthony Cacace is Professor of Audiology in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Wayne State University's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Formerly tenured faculty at Albany Medical College in Surgery and Neurology, he directed clinical programs including the Audiology Department and Hearing Rehabilitation Center. His expertise spans psychoacoustics, electrophysiology, vestibular assessment, and neuroimaging techniques for tinnitus and auditory processing disorders. Dr. Cacace's educational background includes: B.S. in Speech Pathology and Audiology, State University of New York (1974) M.S. in Audiology, Syracuse University (1975) Ph.D. in Communication Sciences and Disorders/Audiology, Syracuse University (1988) Post Doctoral Fellowship in Neurophysiology, Wadsworth Center (1987) His research focuses on Central Auditory Processing Disorder, tinnitus mechanisms, and noise-induced vestibular dysfunction using TMS, MRI, and electrophysiological methods. Current work investigates blast injury consequences in veterans through VA/DoD-funded projects. Recent publications reveal strong emphasis on tinnitus neuroimaging, auditory processing disorder diagnostics, and vestibular-blast injury relationships. His work integrates diffusion tensor imaging, nanotheranostics, and electrophysiological biomarkers to advance diagnostic and therapeutic frameworks. Scientific recognition includes: ASHA Fellowship (1997) American Academy of Audiology Fellowship (1991) As primary capstone supervisor, Dr. Cacace mentors graduate students while leading multi-institutional research: VA Merit Awards ($1.5M+) on tinnitus and vestibular blast injuries NIH R21 nanotheranostics grant ($141k) Wayne State Omnibus Grants for vestibular/gait equipment He collaborates with Wayne State's Neurosciences Institute, VA Medical Center, and University of Michigan teams studying veteran auditory-vestibular health.

• Psychoacoustics
• Electroacoustics
• Electrophysiology
• +8 more

Suzanne Miller is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at St. John's University, part of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. She serves as Program Director for the New York AuD Consortium, collaborating with Adelphi, Hofstra, and St. John’s Universities. Dr. Miller is a licensed audiologist in New York and a member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Her education includes a Ph.D. in Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences from the CUNY Graduate Center, an M.A. in Audiology from St. John’s University, and a B.A. from Boston College. Her research focuses on objective hearing assessments, electrophysiological measures of auditory processing, and understanding speech-in-noise deficits in clinical populations. Dr. Miller’s publications explore topics such as hearing aid efficacy in pediatric populations, noise-induced hearing loss prevention, and the effects of middle ear pressure on auditory measurements. Her work bridges clinical practice with cutting-edge research in audiological diagnostics, emphasizing translational applications for patient care. She is actively involved in interprofessional education initiatives, particularly training pharmacy students to address hearing loss in aging populations. Her academic contributions include advancing methodologies for detecting middle ear muscle activation and refining wideband acoustic immittance techniques. Dr. Miller also advocates for public health initiatives to raise awareness about noise-induced hearing loss among commuters and occupational groups.

• Audiology
• Hearing Health
• Auditory Processing Disorders
• +5 more

Ashley Parker is a Visiting Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication Science and Disorders at the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (SHRS), where she joined as a Postdoctoral Associate in 2022 and transitioned to a faculty role in 2024. She has extensive experience teaching hearing sciences at both the University of Pittsburgh and the University of Connecticut. Ph.D., Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, University of Connecticut M.A., Linguistics, Indiana University B.A., English and Secondary Education Her research lies at the intersection of audiology and neuroscience, focusing on hearing loss , biomarkers of hearing , and auditory electrophysiology . She investigates physiological indicators such as prestin in blood and their correlation with functional measures like otoacoustic emissions and auditory brainstem responses. Her work bridges laboratory findings with real-world hearing environments. The recent publications reflect a strong trend in identifying non-invasive biomarkers for cochlear health, particularly serological prestin, and validating hearing assessment tools outside clinical settings. Her research contributes to early detection of noise-induced hearing damage and improves diagnostic accessibility through home-based testing paradigms. Dr. Parker has been recognized with competitive awards: National Institutes of Health Loan Repayment Program Awardee ASHFoundation Audiology Student Grant She actively contributes to academic training in hearing sciences and is involved in translational research aimed at improving audiological diagnostics and interventions. While no formal advisees are listed, her mentorship is evident through grant-funded research and collaborative publications. Her work is supported by federal and foundation-level recognition, indicating strong potential for future independent research.

• Hearing Loss
• Biomarkers of Hearing
• Auditory Electrophysiology
• +3 more