Ben-Zheng Li, Ph.D.
Meet the Researcher
Li earned his doctorate in electrical and electronics engineering at the University of Macau, after which he was a visiting research scholar at the University of Colorado Denver and the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, where he is now a postdoctoral fellow in the lab of Achim Klug, Ph.D. His research focuses on computational neuroscience and neural engineering, where he develops mathematical models and neural decoders to explore the neural mechanisms behind sound localization and other sensory circuits. A 2025 Emerging Research Grants recipient, Li is generously funded by Royal Arch Research Assistance.
Sound localization is a key function of the brain that enables us to detect and focus on specific sound sources in complex acoustic environments. When spatial hearing is impaired, it significantly diminishes the ability to communicate effectively in noisy environments.
We aim to advance our understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying sound localization, focusing on how the brain processes very small differences in the timing of sounds reaching each ear. These differences are processed by a nucleus of the auditory brainstem called the medial superior olive, which integrates excitatory and inhibitory inputs from each ear with exceptional temporal precision, allowing for the detection of microsecond-level differences in the time of arrival of sounds.
By developing a computational model of this process and validating it through optogenetic manipulation
of inhibitory inputs in animal models, this project will provide new insights into how alterations in inhibition and myelination affect sound localization.
Ultimately, the goal of this research is to contribute to the development of innovative therapeutic strategies aimed at restoring spatial hearing in individuals with hearing loss, including those with autism or age-related deficits.
I have been interested in science and in creating and building things. Both of my parents are in academia—my father is a mathematician, and my mother is an ecologist. Growing up near a university campus, I was surrounded by science. I attended lectures and visited labs, which sparked my curiosity. I loved learning how things work and doing experiments in school.
My grandfather experienced age-related hearing loss, which made communication difficult for him. My father also has trouble with dizziness, especially in noisy places. These personal connections to hearing difficulties made me more aware of how much hearing problems can impact daily life and steered me toward researching how to restore hearing.
I enjoy art and painting, hobbies I’ve had since college, where I minored in graphic design. My painting experience has also helped me in my scientific work. It has improved my ability to visualize complex data and reconstruct 3D microscopy images. Plus, it makes it easier to design clear and aesthetically pleasing posters and presentations.
When I was 14, I placed third in a regional taekwondo competition, which qualified me to be registered as a national athlete. I also coached taekwondo sport teams during high school. These experiences helped me develop leadership skills, which I now use in my research career.
Ben-Zheng Li, Ph.D., is generously funded by Royal Arch Research Assistance. We thank them for their support of studies that will increase our understanding of the mechanisms, causes, diagnosis, and treatments of central auditory processing disorders.
The Research
University of Colorado
Alterations in the sound localization pathway resulting in hearing deficits: an optogenetic approach
Sound localization is a key function of the brain that enables individuals to detect and focus on specific sound sources in complex acoustic environments. When spatial hearing is impaired, such as in individuals with central hearing loss, it significantly diminishes the ability to communicate effectively in noisy environments, leading to a reduced quality of life. This research aims to advance our understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying sound localization, focusing on how the brain processes very small differences in the timing of sounds reaching each ear (interaural time differences, or ITDs). These differences are processed by a nucleus of the auditory brainstem called the medial superior olive (MSO), which integrates excitatory and inhibitory inputs from both left and right ears with exceptional temporal precision, allowing for the detection of microsecond-level differences in the time of arrival of sounds. By developing a computational model of this process and validating it through optogenetic manipulation of inhibitory inputs in animal models, this project will provide new insights into how alterations in inhibition and myelination affect sound localization. Ultimately, the goal of this research is 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 deficits.
Long-term goal: The long-term goal of this project is to develop therapeutic strategies to restore spatial hearing abilities in individuals with central hearing loss, particularly in populations with autism and aging-related hearing deficits. By understanding the specific role of inhibitory pathways in the auditory brainstem, our research aims to identify new interventions that can improve sound localization abilities, which are crucial for navigating noisy environments and maintaining effective communication. In the future, this could lead to the development of advanced auditory prostheses or hearing aids that not only amplify sounds but also enhance the brain’s ability to process sound location cues. Such advancements could significantly improve the quality of life for individuals who struggle with hearing in crowded environments. Additionally, the findings of this project may guide future clinical treatments aimed at promoting remyelination and synaptic repair in the auditory system, potentially offering solutions for people suffering from spatial hearing impairments.
