Laurence Trussell

Laurence Trussell is a Professor and Interim Director of the Oregon Hearing Research Center at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), with concurrent appointment as a Scientist at the Vollum Institute. His research focuses on neural mechanisms of hearing, particularly brainstem circuitry and synaptic physiology in auditory processing.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Biology, University of California, Los Angeles (1983)

Research Interests: Dr. Trussell investigates how brainstem circuits encode acoustic signals and how synaptic physiology preserves auditory information. His seminal work demonstrates that timing-encoding neurons are molecularly specialized, reveals synaptic learning mechanisms at early sensory stages, and elucidates co-release of transmitters acting on single receptors. His research integrates molecular, biophysical, and circuit-level approaches to dissect auditory processing.

Publication Trends: His 2013-2025 publications consistently explore dorsal cochlear nucleus physiology, emphasizing synaptic transmission mechanisms (e.g., glutamate dynamics, KCNQ channels), neural oscillations, electrical coupling, and cell-type-specific circuitry. Key themes include calcium channel nanodomains, inhibitory neuron subtypes, and multimodal integration, reflecting his focus on fundamental mechanisms of auditory signal processing from cellular to circuit levels.

Advising and Grants: Publicly available information does not specify doctoral advisees or grant funding details, though his leadership of major research centers implies significant mentorship and extramural support.

Labs and Teams: He directs research at the Oregon Hearing Research Center and Vollum Institute, leading teams studying auditory pathways through electrophysiology, imaging, and molecular techniques to decode hearing mechanisms and disorders.