Vijaya Prakash Krishnan Muthaiah

Vijaya Prakash Krishnan Muthaiah, PhD, MPH, CPH, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Science at the University at Buffalo's School of Public Health and Health Professions. His research focuses on auditory/vestibular neurodegeneration caused by occupational hazards and neurotrauma, including blast-induced traumatic brain injury and cerebrovascular accidents. He leads the Brain Plasticity and Neurorehabilitation Laboratory (BPNL) and investigates mechanisms of neurodegeneration at peripheral and cortical levels, aiming to develop therapeutic targets for sensory and sensorimotor impairments.

Education:

• BS in Physiotherapy, The Tamilnadu Dr.M.G.R Medical University (2003)
• MS in Molecular Biology, University of Madras (2005)
• PhD in Anatomy-Molecular Biology, University of Madras (2011)
• MPH in Biostatistics, University at Buffalo (2023)

Research interests include the impact of noise exposure, toxic chemicals, and traumatic injury on inner ear and brain structures. His work explores plastic changes in neurons and glial cells, as well as translational approaches like PARP inhibition for neuroprotection. Ongoing grants include NIOSH-funded studies on manganese and noise toxicity interactions and a VA grant addressing blast-induced tinnitus and memory deficits.

Key collaborations involve the Center for Hearing and Deafness (UB) and Purdue University's Department of Speech-Language and Hearing Sciences. His work spans preclinical models (chinchillas, rodents) and human subjects, with a focus on biomarker identification and rehabilitation strategies.