Avril Genene Holt

Avril Genene Holt is an Associate Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences at Wayne State University School of Medicine, where her research focuses on auditory neuroscience mechanisms underlying hearing loss and tinnitus.

Education:

• B.S. in Biology from Stillman College
• Ph.D. in Neuroscience from University of Michigan
• Postdoctoral Fellowships at West Virginia University and University of Michigan

Her research employs a 'Discovery Science' approach to analyze neurochemical, genetic, and neuronal activity changes in the central auditory system following noise exposure. She pioneered gene microarray applications in auditory neuroscience to identify neurotransmitter and ion channel alterations, and combines manganese-enhanced MRI with acoustic startle reflex testing to track tinnitus progression. Current work targets therapeutic interventions for veterans' top compensated disabilities: tinnitus and hearing loss.

Her laboratory operates through three specialized subgroups: VIRA (Volumetric and Imaging Regional Analysis) uses MEMRI for neuronal activity mapping; NICE (Neurotransmitters, Ion Channels, and Efferents) investigates dopamine signaling and calcium channel blockers; MAAP (Morphological Assessment of Auditory Pathway) develops nanoparticle delivery systems and analyzes neurochemical profiles via HR-MAS 1H-MRS.

Dr. Holt lectures and directs all laboratory sessions for the Medical Histology and Embryology course in the medical school curriculum, bridging foundational anatomy education with her translational research on auditory pathway maladaptive plasticity.