Daniel Adolfo Llano

Daniel Adolfo Llano is a Professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with multiple appointments: Professor in the Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, Neuroscience Program, and Biomedical and Translational Sciences. He serves as Director of the MD/PhD Medical Scholars Program at Carle Illinois College of Medicine and Theme Lead at the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology. His office phone is (217) 244-0740.

Dr. Llano leads a laboratory investigating auditory processing mechanisms, particularly how complex sounds like speech are decoded by the brain. His research focuses on:

• Descending cortical projections in auditory processing
• Neural basis of generative sensory models
• Aging-related auditory network dysfunction
• Neurodegenerative disease mechanisms (especially Alzheimer's)

Using electrophysiological, optical, and anatomical approaches, his team studies cortical-subcortical interactions in the auditory pathway.

His recent publications (2019-2025) demonstrate strong focus on:

• Advanced neuroimaging techniques (super-resolution ultrasound, two-photon microscopy)
• Alzheimer's biomarkers (pTau proteins, amyloid detection)
• Auditory system organization (cortical layers, inferior colliculus)
• Neurovascular relationships in neurodegeneration
• Environmental impacts on auditory processing

Major Scientific Honors:

• Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE, 2019)
• Helen Corley Petit Scholar (2017)
• Benjamin Goldberg Professorial Scholar (2017)
• Advances in Medicine Award, Carle Hospital (2016)
• Golden Apple Teaching Award (2015)
• Excellence in Teaching Recognition (2012-2019, 2021)

Dr. Llano leads a research team at the Beckman Institute focusing on auditory neuroscience and neurodegenerative diseases. The laboratory employs cutting-edge techniques including in vivo two-photon imaging, ultrasound localization microscopy, and electrophysiology to study auditory processing and neurovascular changes in aging and disease models.