Vijaya Prakash Krishnan Muthaiah, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Science at the School of Public Health and Health Professions , University at Buffalo (UB). He leads research at the Brain Plasticity and Neurorehabilitation Laboratory (BPNL) , focusing on auditory and vestibular neurodegeneration caused by occupational hazards and neurotrauma, particularly blast-induced traumatic brain injury and noise exposure effects. His work bridges cellular neuroscience with translational rehabilitation approaches. MPH in Biostatistics, University at Buffalo (2023) PhD in Anatomy-Molecular Biology, University of Madras (2011) MS in Molecular Biology, University of Madras (2005) BS in Physiotherapy, The Tamilnadu Dr.M.G.R Medical University (2003) Research explores mechanisms of neurodegeneration in cochlear and cortical systems following noise exposure, blast injury, and heavy metal toxicity, using pre-clinical animal models and human subjects . Key themes include cellular stress signaling , neuroinflammation , and therapeutic target identification for integrated rehabilitation strategies. Recent publications reveal consistent focus on occupational noise exposure (2016-2025), blast-induced neurotrauma (2017-2024), and rehabilitation frameworks (2024-2025). Studies span animal models , clinical case reports , and neuroprotective interventions targeting PARP inhibition and mitochondrial dysfunction. Current grants include: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH): R21 grant (2024-2026) as Principal Investigator ($429,792) studying noise/Mn synergy in hearing loss Veteran Affairs: Co-Investigator on $1.2M RR&D Merit Review Award (2024-2029) for blast injury treatment research Laboratory work at BPNL integrates neurotrauma models , biomarker validation , and rehabilitation technology , with collaborations in audiology , neurology , and occupational health .





