Kevin Sitek

Dr. Kevin Sitek is a Research Assistant Professor at Northwestern University’s Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. He leads research at the SoundBrain Lab, focusing on mapping brain regions and connections enabling human hearing and communication. His work employs advanced neuroimaging methods like 7T MRI, diffusion-weighted MRI, and postmortem histology.

• Education:
  • PhD in Speech and Hearing Bioscience and Technology, Harvard University
  • BA in Linguistics and Cognitive Science, UC Berkeley
• Research Interests:

  His research investigates the human auditory pathway, emphasizing subcortical structures, speech sound representations, and functional/anatomical brain connectivity. He integrates ultra-high field MRI with computational models to study auditory learning and neural plasticity.

• Scientific Contributions:
  • Developed methodologies for 7T MRI analysis of non-lemniscal auditory pathways
  • Pioneered tractography techniques for subcortical auditory connectivity
  • Served on the Organization for Human Brain Mapping (OHBM) Communications Committee (Chair, 2023–24)
• Grants & Recognition:
  • National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIH grant 1K01DC019421-01A1)
  • 2025 OHBM Best Reviewer Award