David MacPhee is an Associate Professor in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Carleton University, where he leads research in computational continuum mechanics, thermodynamics, and energy conversion. His Applied Computational Engineering (ACE) Lab focuses on renewable energy systems, including wind/wave energy converters, wastewater aeration, and additive manufacturing. Research areas include flexible-bladed wind turbines, aerator optimization for wastewater treatment, industrial energy productivity, computational fluid dynamics, and thermal energy storage. He employs advanced experimental and computational methods to enhance energy efficiency and system performance. Dr. MacPhee mentors graduate and undergraduate students, facilitating research in energy innovation. Awards and honors include multiple NIH/NIDCD grants for pediatric speech/language studies related to cochlear implants.
Yan Gai, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Saint Louis University (SLU), affiliated with the School of Science and Engineering. She leads the Neuroengineering Lab, focusing on advancing assistive technologies for paralyzed and hearing-impaired patients. Her work includes brain-controlled wheelchairs, smart hearing aids, and cochlear implants. Dr. Gai holds a Ph.D. in Bioengineering from Syracuse University, with postdoctoral training at NYU and UW-Madison. Education: Ph.D. in Bioengineering, Syracuse University M.S. in Bioengineering, Syracuse University M.E. in Electrical Engineering, South China University of Technology B.S. in Electrical Engineering, South China University of Technology Research Interests: Dr. Gai’s lab integrates behavioral, electrophysiological, and computational methods to study auditory pathways in speech perception and sound localization. Current projects emphasize neuroengineering solutions for sensory deficits, including cochlear implant simulations and brain-computer interfaces. Her work bridges basic neuroscience with clinical applications. Key Achievements: Recipient of SLU’s President Research Fund (2017) for brain-controlled wheelchair technology Published over 20 peer-reviewed articles in journals like Journal of Neurophysiology and PLoS Computational Biology Developed noise-vocoding techniques for cochlear implant research Labs/Teams: Neuroengineering Laboratory (http://gailab.net/)
Andrew Moiseff is a Professor and Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Affairs in the Department of Physiology & Neurobiology at the University of Connecticut. He holds a Ph.D. from Cornell University. His research focuses on understanding neural mechanisms underlying animal communication behaviors, with a particular emphasis on firefly synchrony and auditory localization in barn owls. Key research areas include: Firefly communication strategies and visual signaling Neural basis of sound localization in owls Behavioral adaptations in sensory systems Publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches to understanding animal behavior, spanning entomology, neuroscience, and acoustic ecology. His work often bridges basic science and pedagogy, such as developing collaborative teaching methods. The Moiseff Lab investigates firefly behavior and owl auditory systems to explore how organisms process sensory information for navigation and communication. Professional roles include overseeing research and graduate affairs at UConn, supporting interdisciplinary initiatives in neuroscience and biology.
Dr. Leo You Li is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Bioengineering at the University of Texas at Dallas, affiliated with the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science. His research focuses on integrating medical ultrasound imaging with artificial intelligence to advance translational research, particularly in placental hemodynamic imaging, neonatal brain imaging, and quantitative tissue mechanics analysis. Dr. Li holds a BEng in Electronics and Information Engineering from Huazhong University of Science and Technology, and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Biomedical Engineering from Duke University, followed by postdoctoral training at Stanford University under Dr. Jeremy Dahl. Research Interests : Medical Ultrasound Imaging, AI-Driven Medical Diagnostics, Biomedical Engineering, Placental Hemodynamics, Neonatal Brain Imaging, and Tissue Mechanics. His work bridges clinical challenges with technological innovation to improve diagnostic accuracy and treatment efficacy. Dr. Li has been recognized with prestigious awards including the NIH K99/R00 Award and the 2021 New Investigator Award from the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine. His publications span speech enhancement algorithms, cochlear implant advancements, and signal processing methodologies, reflecting his interdisciplinary contributions to both clinical and engineering domains. He currently leads research initiatives exploring novel ultrasound imaging techniques and collaborates on projects addressing unmet clinical needs in maternal and neonatal healthcare. Open faculty and student positions are available within his lab to advance these impactful areas.
K. Todd Houston is a Professor in the School of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology at the University of Akron . He holds adjunct appointments at universities in the U.S. and Australia. His work focuses on listening and spoken language development for children with hearing loss, telepractice service delivery, and family-centered intervention. He founded the Telepractice and eLearning Lab (TeLL) to evaluate telepractice models for children with hearing loss and adults with deafness. Education : Ph.D., Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of South Carolina M.S., Speech-Language Pathology, University of South Carolina B.A., Journalism and Mass Communication, University of South Carolina Research Interests : Houston’s research explores telepractice applications in audiology and speech-language pathology, early intervention for children with hearing loss, parent engagement strategies, and the use of technology (e.g., cochlear implants, telehealth) to enhance communication outcomes. He emphasizes family-centered care and the integration of social media and distance learning to support therapeutic goals. Articles & Trends : His recent work highlights advancements in telepractice, including its role in overcoming geographic barriers to care, improving literacy outcomes for children with hearing loss, and training future practitioners in telehealth. He has authored books on telepractice in audiology and speech-language pathology, reflecting his leadership in this field. Grants & Initiatives : Houston secured a U.S. Department of Education grant to establish the Graduate Consortium in Listening and Spoken Language , training students to support children with hearing loss. He also developed the Tele-Intervention Resource Guide to assist EHDI programs. Labs & Collaborations : The TeLL Lab evaluates telehealth models, while collaborations with organizations like the Alexander Graham Bell Association and Cochlear Corporation expand service delivery innovations. Houston’s work bridges clinical practice, education, and technology to enhance global accessibility in hearing healthcare.
Dr. Maria Kondaurova is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of Louisville . Her research focuses on speech perception, child language development, and the impact of technology like telepractice and social robots on communication. She directs the Language Acquisition Research and Exploration Lab (LAREL), studying vocal interactions in families with children with hearing loss or autism. Dr. Kondaurova holds a PhD in Linguistics from Purdue University (2008), an M.A. from Purdue (2004), and a B.A. in Linguistics, English, and French from Moscow State Linguistic University (1995). She teaches courses in quantitative methods, psycholinguistics, and speech science. Her research interests include experimental phonetics , acoustic-phonetic analysis , and telepractice efficacy . Key projects examine how modern technologies (e.g., telepractice, robots) influence child linguistic behavior and caregiver interaction. She collaborates with experts in audiology, robotics, and statistics, including Qi Zheng (Bioinformatics), Karla Welch (Electrical Engineering), and Laura Dilley (Michigan State). Dr. Kondaurova advises graduate students (e.g., Bianca Welikson, Loui Chang) and mentors undergraduates in research on topics like trauma effects on infant-directed speech and music-emotional development links. She actively recruits participants for studies on caregiver-child interactions and telepractice outcomes. Her lab’s facilities include tools for physiological monitoring (e.g., Empatica E4 sensors) and speech analysis software. Current projects validate telepractice techniques for measuring listening effort in children with hearing loss. Future work explores social robotics in autism therapy and vocal turn-taking dynamics.
Pavel Zahorik is an Associate Professor & Heuser Hearing Research Endowed Chair at the University of Louisville's Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences. His research focuses on auditory perception, particularly spatial hearing, sound localization, and the role of reverberation in speech understanding. Zahorik leads the Zahorik Auditory Perception Laboratory (ZAPlab), which explores human auditory performance in complex acoustic environments using advanced virtual auditory space (VAS) technology. Education: PhD in 1998 from the University of Wisconsin. Research Interests: Auditory distance perception, multisensory integration, effects of reverberation on speech intelligibility, and virtual auditory display validation. Key findings include perceptual adaptation to room acoustics and the role of binaural cues in spatial hearing. Collaborations: Heuser Hearing Institute, Sonova, and University of Louisville Health Sciences. Facilities: State-of-the-art anechoic chambers and sound field testing facilities funded by AFOSR and KY DEPSCoR. Teaching: Courses include PSYC 646/AUDI 648: Hearing Science I and PSYC 611: Advanced Statistics II. Students advised include PhD candidates like Ann Holmes and former students such as Greg Ellis and Paul Anderson. The lab's work has been published in journals like Journal of Neuroscience and Frontiers in Auditory Cognitive Neuroscience . ZAPlab's research bridges basic science and clinical applications, addressing hearing aid technology and hearing impairment challenges.
Saradha Ananthakrishnan, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor and Audiology Graduate Program Director in the Department of Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology at Towson University's College of Health Professions. She holds a Ph.D. (2013) and Au.D. (2012) from Purdue University, and a B.S. (2008) from Maharashtra University of Health Sciences. She is licensed in Maryland and holds ASHA CCC-A certification. Her research expertise spans three primary domains: Neurophysiological representation of auditory signals in typical/atypical auditory systems Simulation applications in audiology education and clinical training Integration of machine learning methodologies in audiological research and diagnostics An analysis of her 15 most recent publications (2011-2022) reveals consistent focus on neural mechanisms of auditory processing, particularly using frequency following responses (FFR) to study pitch encoding, speech perception, hearing loss, and auditory prosthetics. Her work bridges clinical audiology, neurophysiology, and technological innovation, with frequent publications in high-impact journals like Ear and Hearing and Hearing Research . As Graduate Program Director, she leads curriculum development and oversees clinical training initiatives, including pioneering research on simulation-based audiology education. She maintains active presentation schedules at major conferences including the Association for Research in Otolaryngology (ARO) and American Auditory Society.
Dr. Holly Lind-Combs is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology at Towson University's College of Health Professions. She holds a Ph.D. from The Ohio State University (2024), an M.Ed. from the University of Virginia (2014), and a B.A. from The College of William and Mary (2012). Her research examines spoken language development in deaf/hard of hearing children, with particular focus on pragmatic language acquisition and the interplay between caregiver communication and child development. She employs eye-tracking methodologies to study visual social attention patterns in clinical populations. Lind-Combs' recent publications demonstrate innovative work in accent perception metrics and the relationship between parental language input and executive function development in children with hearing loss. Her research integrates clinical audiology with developmental psycholinguistics. She holds ASHA CCC-SLP certification and maintains clinical licensure in Maryland and Ohio. Her work has been presented at major conferences including the American Auditory Society and American Speech-Language-Hearing Association conventions.
Chhayakant Patro is Assistant Professor of Audiology at Towson University, researching auditory perception, cochlear implants, and age-related hearing changes. His NIH-funded work examines how hearing loss affects speech understanding and cognitive processing. Holds a Ph.D. from University of Memphis with postdoctoral training at University of Iowa and Minnesota. Published in leading audiology journals on topics including noise exposure effects and auditory masking.
Jonelle Mattiacio serves as an Associate Professor at St. John Fisher University, where she has taught since 2014. Her instructional responsibilities span the biology curriculum, including General Biology I for first-year students, Microbes and Disease for nursing majors, and advanced courses in Microbiology, Virology, and Cell Biology for Biology majors. Her academic credentials include: Ph.D. from the University of Buffalo Medical School B.S. from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry Dr. Mattiacio's research program investigates virus-host interactions with emphasis on influenza virus pathogenesis. She studies the influenza polymerase complex (PB1, PB2, PA) and its interplay with host factors like AIFM1, which influences viral replication and apoptosis. Concurrently, her lab isolates bacteriophages against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and tests their efficacy in combination with quorum sensing inhibitors to disrupt biofilms, addressing the challenge of antibiotic resistance. A third project evaluates Kalanchoe plant extracts for anti-influenza activity, seeking natural alternatives to conventional antivirals. This multidisciplinary approach integrates virology, microbiology, and molecular biology to develop novel therapeutic strategies. Her publication history (2011-2022) reveals an evolution from fundamental influenza and HIV research toward applied antimicrobial solutions. Early work characterized viral polymerase interactions and HIV antibody responses, while recent studies focus on plant-derived antivirals and phage-based antibacterial therapies, highlighting her commitment to translational science. No major scientific awards are documented in the available materials. Dr. Mattiacio mentors undergraduate researchers, with several students contributing as co-authors on publications. Her lab provides comprehensive training in virological and molecular techniques, fostering the next generation of scientists. Research funding appears to be supported through institutional channels at St. John Fisher University. The Mattiacio Laboratory operates as a dynamic hub for virology and bacteriophage research, utilizing state-of-the-art methodologies including cell fractionation, co-immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence, and MTT assays. Collaborative projects with regional institutions enhance the scope and impact of her work on viral and bacterial pathogens.
Shaum Bhagat is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Audiology at San José State University (SJSU). He previously served as Chair of the Department of Communicative Disorders and Sciences at SJSU and held roles at the University of Memphis, including directing the Hearing Science Research Laboratory (HSRL). His research focuses on otoacoustic emissions, cochlear function, and the effects of acoustic experiences/ototoxic medications. Collaborations include St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, and the Istituto di Ingegneria Biomedica (Italy). Education: Ph.D. in Audiology from the University of Texas at Austin (2003), M.S. from the University of Arizona (1995), and B.A. from Washington State University (1991). Research Interests: Investigates cochlear mechanics, auditory electrophysiology, and ototoxicity monitoring. Recent work includes studies on radiation-induced hearing loss in cancer patients and the role of efferent systems in auditory processing. Key Awards: Fellow of the American Academy of Audiology, Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology, and California State Audiology License. Labs/Teams: Founded and directs the HSRL, which explores cochlear responses to acoustic and pharmacological stressors. Active in professional organizations like the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
Ellie Cooper, PhD, CCC-SLP, LSLS, Cert. AVT is an Assistant Professor in the MS-SLP Program at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (Dallas, TX campus), College of Rehabilitative Sciences. Her research examines hearing loss, literacy outcomes, language development for deaf/hard-of-hearing children, caregiver involvement, family-centered practice, and professional development. She is a certified Speech-Language Pathologist and Listening and Spoken Language Specialist (Auditory-Verbal Therapist). Her clinical background includes work on cochlear implant teams, educational settings, and multidisciplinary hearing clinics. Dr. Cooper's recent publications focus on hearing loss health literacy, virtual assessment adaptation, and literacy screening tools for DHH children, demonstrating consistent research in pediatric audiology and intervention strategies.
A. James Hudspeth is the F.M. Kirby Professor at The Rockefeller University and an Investigator at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. His research focuses on neural mechanisms of hearing, hair cell regeneration, and treatments for hearing loss. He received his education from Harvard College (B.A. in biochemical sciences), Harvard University (Ph.D. in neurobiology), and Harvard Medical School (M.D.). His work explores cochlear amplification, hair bundle mechanics, and molecular pathways for hair cell regeneration using zebrafish and mouse models. Research interests include sensory neuroscience, mechanotransduction, and regenerative biology. Professor Hudspeth has received numerous accolades including the Kavli Prize in Neuroscience and Louisa Gross Horwitz Prize. He serves in graduate programs including the Tri-Institutional M.D.-Ph.D. Program.
Catherine Lachenauer is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School and an Associate Physician in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Boston Children’s Hospital. She directs the Infectious Diseases Outpatient Practice, specializing in pediatric infectious diseases with a focus on bacterial infections, mycobacterial diseases, and post-COVID-19 sequelae. Her clinical roles combine academic research with patient care, emphasizing multidisciplinary approaches to complex infections. Dr. Lachenauer completed her medical degree at the University of Illinois at Chicago (1988), followed by residency and fellowship training in pediatric infectious diseases at Wyler Children’s Hospital and Boston Children’s Hospital. Her certifications include the American Board of Pediatrics (Infectious Diseases). Her research spans bacterial pathogenesis, antimicrobial therapy optimization, and viral infections in immunocompromised pediatric patients. Notable work includes studies on Mycobacterium chimaera outbreaks, clarithromycin-induced hearing loss, and RSV impacts in transplant recipients. Recent publications address post-acute SARS-CoV-2 outcomes in children, reflecting her commitment to emerging infectious disease challenges. While no specific grants or awards are listed here, her extensive publication record demonstrates leadership in pediatric infectious disease research. Clinical and academic contributions are integrated through her roles at Harvard Medical School and Boston Children’s Hospital, where she advises on outpatient antimicrobial treatment protocols and infection control strategies.
