FIRST YEAR
Ben-Zheng Li, Ph.D., University of Colorado
Research Topic: Alterations in the sound localization pathway resulting in hearing deficits: an optogenetic approach
Long-Term Goal: To contribute to the development of innovative therapeutic strategies aimed at restoring spatial hearing in individuals with hearing impairments, including those with autism and age-related hearing deficits.
Published Research
Auditory brainstem responses in two closely related Peromyscus species (Peromyscus leucopus and Peromyscus maniculatus), The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, 2025.
Variation in head and pinna morphology of preserved Peromyscus spp. specimens and implications for auditory function, Journal of Anatomy, 2025.
Anahita Mehta, Ph.D., University of Michigan
Research Topic: Effects of age on interactions of acoustic features with timing judgments in auditory sequences
Long-Term Goal: To advance our understanding of auditory feature integration and its implications for temporal perception, particularly regarding aging and hearing loss.
Published Research
Single-Sided Deafness and Cochlear Implants: Performance in a Novel Combined Speech-in-Noise and Localization Task, Otology & Neurotology, 2025.
Comparing Bilateral and Single-Sided Deaf Cochlear Implant Recipients in a Novel Speech-in-Noise and Localization Task, Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, 2025.
SECOND YEAR
Amanda Griffin, Ph.D., Au.D., Boston Children’s Hospital (see 2024 Grantees)
HiJee Kang, Ph.D., Johns Hopkins University (see 2024 Grantees)