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Les Atlas
ProfessorElectrical EngineeringResearch InterestsTheory of Time-Frequency and Time Scale Analysis, Speech Recognition and Analysis,Theory of Time-Frequency and Time-Scale Analysis: Almost all physical signals come from systems that are time-varying. Our theory drops all the typical assumptions of stationary increments in time (and space) and is able to directly resolve spectral detail while preserving time dynamics. This theory has been extended to develop optimal time-frequency smoothers for classification and detection applications. Current work is directed toward providing a theoretical foundation for spectral analysis and transformations of the dynamics of time-varying systems. This theory has been applied to sonar, radar, machine and manufacturing monitoring, and speech and music signal analysis. Biomimetic Acoustic Analysis: An interdisciplinary team of researchers from the University of Maryland, Boston University and the University of Washington are providing new principals for acoustic analysis. Prof. Atlas has provided this team with a new framework for understanding how auditory systems represent signals which are time-varying. This new approach, called "autoambiguity analysis," has improved the performance of systems used in manufacturing, machine monitoring, and sonar applications. Speech Recognition and Analysis: Most researchers agree that most of the information in speech is contained within the time-varying portions of speech. The above time-varying analysis algorithms have been used to determine which aspect of the dynamics is most important for accurate speech recognition and these results have been used to improve recognizer performance.689Atlas L -
Andres Barria
Assistant ProfessorResearch InterestsSynaptic Physiology of Excitatory NeurotransmissionPrimary MethodologiesElectrophysiology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Fluorescence ImagingUsing molecular and cellular techniques, along with advanced imaging and electrophysiology, we try to understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms that a) trigger formation of glutamatergic synapses and stabilize them, b) control the level of synaptic plasticity, and c) regulates ionotropics glutamate receptors.40Barria, Andres -
Michael Beecher
Professor, Psychology; Adjunct Professor, BiologyPsychologyPrimary MethodologiesBirdsong AnalysisMy laboratory is studying the function and the development of bird song. Our study species is the song sparrow (Melospiza melodia). The first aspect (function) is pursued in the field, via a long-term banding and recording program combined with field experiments (mostly playback studies). The second aspect (development) is pursued both in the field, where we focus on young males we have banded in the nest or netted during their first summer, and in the laboratory, where we attempt to recreate and analyze the key conditions identified in the field studies.690Beecher MD -
Olivia Bermingham-McDonogh
ProfessorDepartment of Biological StructureResearch InterestsMy research involves the mammalian inner ear. In particular the auditory part called the organ of Corti which is made up of hair cells and support cells that are arranged in a stereotyped pattern. My lab is interested in what signals are involved in the fMy broad research interests are in the area of sensory system development and regeneration. My research currently involves the mammalian inner ear. The mammalian organ of Corti is made up of hair cells and support cells that are arranged in a stereotyped pattern. My lab is interested in what signals are involved in the full differentiation of these various cell types and their potential for regeneration after hair cell loss. I am interested in what prevents the hair cells from regenerating after damage in mammals, as they do in birds and lower vertebrates. In particular I am exploring the role of FGFs in the development of the specific cell types in the mammalian cochlea.719Bermingham-McDonogh O -
Julie Bierer
Assistant ProfessorDepartment of Speech and Hearing SciencesResearch InterestsPerceptual measurements in response to cochlear implants; Development and assessment of new clinical speech processing techniquesProfessor Bierer’s research interests involve cochlear implants, which are prostheses that enhance or restore hearing in severely impaired individuals. Cochlear implant patients typically perform well, but they show a wide range of speech perception abilities and most can not enjoy music. Her research addresses the possible causes of poor outcomes and explores new clinical techniques and signal processing methods that may improve the way cochlear implant patients hear.706Bierer JA -
Mark Bothwell
ProfessorPhysiology and BiophysicsResearch InterestsGrowth factor receptor signal transduction, dendritic developmentPrimary MethodologiesRecombinant DNA, cell culture, in ovo electroporation, immunohistochemistryOur work concerns development of hind-brain auditory circuits, with a particular emphasis on signaling mechanisms that control dendritic development. A particular focus is the neurotrophin family of neurotrophic factors, their receptors, and membrane proteins that control subcellular trafficking of these receptors.712"Bothwell M"[author] -
Eliot Brenowitz
ProfessorBiologyResearch InterestsMy research involves the integration between mechanism and function in animal behavior, with an emphasis on acoustic communication in birds and frogs.My research involves the integration between mechanism and function in animal behavior, with an emphasis on acoustic communication in birds and frogs. The principal current focus is on the song control system in the brains of songbirds. I emphasize a comparative, evolutionary approach to this system, and combine behavioral studies in the field with laboratory techniques in neuroendocrinology, neuroanatomy, molecular biology, and signal analysis. I am currently pursuing three major topics of study in the song system. One concerns the physiological and molecular mechanisms, and the behavioral consequences, of seasonal plasticity observed in the morphology of song regions of the brain. A second topic concerns the recruitment of new neurons to a song nucleus in the forebrain of adult birds, studied from the perspective of its physiological regulation and the influence of environmental factors. The third topic relates to the observation that neurons in song control nuclei receive input from auditory regions, and respond selectively to the presentation of conspecific song. I am investigating the role of song nuclei in the behavioral recognition of conspecific song in the contexts of mate choice and territorial defense. .39Brenowitz EA -
Rechele Brooks
Research ScientistDepartment of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Institute for Learning & Brain Sciences (I-LABS)Dr. Brooks is a research scientist at the Institute and in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. She received her BA from Pomona College and her Ph.D. from Boston University. Her main line of research centers on the development of social cognition in infancy. Her areas of interest include the study of gaze following and pointing. She has been examining the development of these important social cues in infancy and the attributions infants make about others’ perceptions and goals. She is also interested in how early social cognition contributes to the understanding of language and theory of mind in children with typical and atypical development.862 -
John Casseday
Research Professor EmeritusPsychology692Casseday JH -
Marc Coltrera
ProfessorOtolaryngologyResearch InterestsHair cells of inner earDr. Coltrera is a UW professor of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery and is board-certified in otolaryngology. He has conducted research on hair cells of the inner ear and on outcomes for head and neck cancer treatments, with particular emphasis on quality of life.693Coltrera MD -
Ellen Covey
ProfessorPsychologyResearch InterestsIntegration of Auditory Signals by the Mammalian Nervous System, Echolocation in Bats694Covey E -
Greg Davis
Assistant ProfessorOtolaryngology, Head and Neck SurgeryResearch InterestsRhinology (sinusitis and olfactory disorders), Anterior Skullbase SurgeryI am interested in chronic sinus disease and how our various treatments impact the lives of our patients.685Davis GE -
Larry Duckert
Clinical Medical DirectorOtolaryngology, Head and Neck SurgeryResearch InterestsMiddle Ear Reconstructive Surgery, Otosclerosis Surgery, Acoustic Tumors, Skull Base Surgery"The full potential of my subspecialty can be realized when integrated into a multidisciplinary plan of medical and surgical practice. This being the case I work very closely with Neurological Surgery, Neurology, Rehabilitation Therapy, and other neuroscience specialties to coordinate treatments utilizing a variety of expert opinions and approaches"696Duckert L -
Tanya Eadie
Associate ProfessorDepartment of Speech and HearingResearch InterestsVoice evaluation, Laryngectomy rehabilitation, Models of health and disabilityIn the past few decades, the field of speech-language pathology has begun to recognize the validity of comprehensive evaluation and treatment of communication disorders. This is reflected in ASHA's adoption of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) as the framework for the Scope of Practice in Speech-Language Pathology (ASHA, 2001). As such, Dr. Eadie's long-term goals are to develop a clinical evaluative protocol by which clinicians can more effectively and accurately report the degree of vocal impairment using physiologic, acoustic, and auditory-perceptual measures. In addition, she hopes to continue to expand upon the current clinical database addressing the degree of impact on daily voice activity and participation as affected by various types of voice disorders, including those affected by head and neck cancer.34Eadie TL -
Richard Folsom
Professor and Department ChairDepartment of Speech and Hearing SciencesResearch InterestsPediatric Audiology, Newborn Hearing ScreeningPrimary MethodologiesBehavioral and physiologic measures of hearing.Dr. Folsom' research is in the areas of early identification of hearing loss, hearing development, and pediatric assessment. He is currently a principal investigator of the Pediatric Audiology Training Grant at the CHDD and Chair of the Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences.723Folsom RC -
Llyne Foy
Administrative CoordinatorVirginia Merrill Bloedel Hearing Research Center825 -
Albert Fuchs
ProfessorDepartment of Physiology and BiophysicsHis team is a diverse group of researchers committed to the development of a viable human vestibular prosthesis. Their current research initiative is to investigate vestibular reflex function with electrical stimulation of individual vestibular inputs during natural orienting movements. We are using chronic microstimulation of the vestibular end organ and simultaneous multichannel recording of brainstem neural elements.702Fuchs AF -
Neal Futran
Allison T. Wanamaker Professor and Chair; Chair, Head and Neck Surgery, OtolaryngologyOtolaryngolgyResearch InterestsMicrovascular Head and Neck Reconstruction"Our goals are to not only to cure head and neck cancer utilizing an individual patient approach, but to restore speech, swallowing and appearance with state of the art treatment."38Futran ND -
George Gates
Emeritus Director, Professor, Otolaryngology - HNS / Virginia Merrill Bloedel Hearing Research Centeremeritus - VMBHRC703Gates GA -
Nigel Heinsius
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Carolyn Higgins
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Allen Hillel
professor of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery and adjunct professor of rehabilitation medicine,OtolaryngologyResearch InterestsClinical research on effectiveness of treatments for disorders of the larynx705Hillel AD -
David Horn
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Clifford Hume
Associate ProfessorOtolaryngology/OtologyResearch InterestsNovel therapies for hearing and balance disordersPrimary Methodologiesinner ear gene therapy, hair cell regeneration, cochlear implantation, intracochlear micro actuatorsTo develop new biological therapies for human hearing loss and balance disorders by applying the most modern tools of molecular and developmental biology to repair or regenerate the damaged or non-functioning ear. Specific areas of interest include afferent innervation of the postnatal cochlea; feasibility of hybrid cochlear implants; and hair cell transcription.44Hume CR -
Mary-Claire King
Professor of Genome Sciences and of Medicine (Medical Genetics)Genome SciencesIn our group, we use next generation sequencing approaches to identify genes responsible for complex human conditions. Our primary areas of interest are inherited breast and ovarian cancer, the genetics of schizophrenia, and Mendelian disorders in founder populations. Our goals are to identify and characterize critical genes in informative families and populations. We are particularly interested in disentangling genetic heterogeneity in complex traits, thereby revealing the individually rare severe alleles that cause common disorders. Our lab also applies genomic sequencing to the identification of victims of human rights abuses.713king m-c -
Patricia Kuhl
Endowed Chair, Bezos Family Foundation for Early Childhood Learning; Co-Director, UW Institute for Learning and Brain Sciences; Director, NSF Science of Learning Center (LIFE); Professor, Department of Speech and Hearing SciencesInstitute of Learning and Brain ResearchDr. Kuhl is internationally recognized for her research on early language and brain development, and studies that show how young children learn. Her work has played a major role in demonstrating how early exposure to language alters the brain. It has implications for critical periods in development, for bilingual education and reading readiness, for developmental disabilities involving language, and for research on computer understanding of speech.721Kuhl PK -
Heather Larson
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Adrian KC Lee
Assistant ProfessorPsychoacoustics, NeuroimagingResearch InterestsAuditory AttentionPrimary MethodologiesMEG, EEG, psychoacoustics** What’s on your mind? ** This is what we want to know while you are communicating and interacting with the world. We combine magneto- and electro-encephalography (M-EEG) along with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to map the spatio-temporal dynamics of the cortical network involved in auditory attention, object selection and scene analysis (e.g., listening to your friend in a crowded restaurant) ** Searching for neural biomarkers ** We seek to discover distinct brain signatures that can be used to classify different brain states (coined as “neural biomarkers”). Our goal is to combine this neuroscience knowledge with state-of-the-art engineering approaches to design next-generation Brain-Computer-Interface devices that enable users to dynamically tune their prosthetic devices using only their minds. Imagine!25Adrian K. C. Lee -
Kenneth Maravilla
Professor, Neuroradiology; Director MR Research Laboratory, Neurological SurgeryRadiologyResearch InterestsNeurological disordersDr. Maravilla's research focuses on anatomical and functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) of developmental disorders. A major aspect of his research involves developing new techniques and new medical applications for MR-related imaging, including exploration of functional MRI and MRS to better understand normal and pathologic brain physiology. His research interests include the application of new MRI techniques for analyzing central nervous system (CNS) pathology, neuro-imaging of multiple sclerosis, and the use of high-resolution MRI for study of peripheral nervous system disorders. Maravilla is currently involved with developing higher field MR techniques for molecular imaging study of small animal rodent models to explore neuroscience questions involving neuropathology, neurophysiology, and CNS genetic phenotyping. He is also pursuing studies in brain functional MRI to address dysfunctional brain processes in disorders such as demyelinating disease, dyslexia, and other neurological disorders.708Maravilla KR -
Andrew Meltzoff
Professor and Co-Director, Institute for Learning & Brain SciencesDept. of Psychology and Institute for Learning & Brain SciencesResearch Interestssensorimotor coordination, cross-modal perception, memory, cognitionAndrew Meltzoff, Ph.d., is an internationally renowned expert on infant and child development. His discoveries about infant imitation have revolutionized our understanding of early perception, cognition, and brain development. His research on social-emotional development and children’s understanding of other people has helped shape policy and practice. Dr. Meltzoff's 25 years of research on young children has had far-reaching implications for cognitive science, especially for ideas about cross-modal perception and its development; for brain science, especially for ideas about common coding and shared neural circuits for perception and action; and for early education and parenting, particularly for ideas about the importance of role models, both adults and peers, in child development and critical periods in human learning.714Meltzoff AN -
Albert Merati
Professor; Chief of Laryngology ServiceDepartment of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck SurgeryResearch InterestsThree major areas of research interest: vocal fold paralysis, reflux affecting the larynx, and airway stenosis."Laryngology is, in many ways, the most human of fields; it deals with breathing and eating and talking, it is often beautiful and humbling at the same time, and it invites innovation in concert with the fundamentals of expert practice. It is a joy and a challenge every day.”715Merati AL -
Robert Miller
Senior Lecturer, Department of Speech and Hearing SciencesResearch InterestsSwallowing disorders and Degenerative Neurological DiseasesPrimary MethodologiesClinical research26Miller RM -
Fred Minifie
Chairman EmeritusDepartment of Speech and Hearing ServicesProfessor Minifie is the author of numerous books in the Speech and Hearing field, including Normal Aspects of Speech, Hearing, and Language.700Minifie FD -
William Stafford Noble
Associate ProfessorGenome SciencesResearch InterestsComputational techniques for modeling biological processes at the molecular levelMy research focuses on the development and application of machine learning and statistical methods for interpreting complex biological data sets. In selecting research areas to focus on, I am drawn to research problems in which I can solve fundamental problems in biology while also pushing the state of the art in machine learning. Currently, my research can be roughly divided into three areas, as follows: Predicting protein properties. My lab has done extensive work using methods such as hidden Markov models, dynamic Bayesian networks and support vector machine classifiers to identify remote protein homologs, assign gene functional annotation to proteins, and to predict protein secondary structure from sequence. We continue to develop novel algorithms for a variety of these and related problems. Chromatin and gene regulation. We use motif-based hidden Markov models to characterize collections of transcription factor binding sites in genomic DNA. We also develop models that predict properties of chromatin from genomic DNA. Analysis of mass spectrometry data. In collaboration with Michael MacCoss's lab, we have developed a series of machine learning and statistical methods for the analysis of shotgun proteomics data. In this field, we continue to work on protein identification and quantification, targeted proteomics, and biomarker discovery.735Noble WS -
Susan Norton
ProfessorOtolaryngology728Norton SJ -
Elizabeth Oesterle
Research Associate ProfessorOtolaryngology/Head and Neck SurgeryResearch InterestsWe investigate the function of supporting cells in the inner ear and strive to develop therapies to trigger the production of new sensory hair cells in damaged human ears to alleviate hearing and balance disorders.Primary Methodologiescell culture, immunocytochemical, and molecular techniquesThe discovery that non-mammalian vertebrates can regenerate new auditory and vestibular hair cells after damage suggests the possibility of therapies eventually being developed to treat hearing and balance disorders in humans. Our current research is aimed at identifying factors that will trigger supporting cells to divide and generate new hair cells. We use cell culture, immunocytochemical, and molecular techniques to identify growth factors and other molecules that regulate supporting cell proliferation and differentiation and hope to provide information that will aid in the development of therapies to alleviate sensori-neural hearing disorders.41Oesterle EC -
Lesley Olswang
ProfessorSpeech and Hearing SciencesResearch InterestsLanguage disordersPrimary Methodologiesverbal and nonverbal communication and the clinical processes of assessment and interventionDr. Olswang’s research has focused on measuring the benefits of treatment for individuals with language disorders, including the use of dynamic assessment as a means of predicting change in young children with specific language impairments. One research project focuses on the development of early signals of communication; another focuses on social communication deficits exhibited by school-age children. The research examining early signals of communication involves infants developing typically and infants with physical impairments. The social communication research involves school-age children with an array of disabilities, although the primary work has been conducted with children who have been prenatally exposed to alcohol.710Olswang LB -
Lee Osterhout
ProfessorPsychologyResearch InterestsThe neurocognition of language comprehension in fluent native speakers and in adult second language learners.Primary MethodologiesRecording event-related brain potentials (ERPs);In our lab, we use the tools of cognitive neuroscience to investigate the cognitive and neural underpinnings of human language. The primary method used in our lab involves recording event-related brain potentials (ERPs) from the scalp while people read or listen to language. ERPs reflect the summed, simultaneously occurring postsynaptic activity in large groups of pyramidal neurons in neocortex. Unlike other brain-based measures such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), ERPs provide a continuous,millisecond-by-millisecond record of the brain's electrical activity. Using this method, we have learned, for example, that the brain responds differently to anomalies involving sentence structure (syntax) and sentence meaning(semantics). We have subsequently used these language-sensitive ERP effects to investigate many aspects of language comprehension, including changes in brain activity that are associated with second-language acquisition, individual differences in the processing of complex sentences, and the neurobiological manifestations of linguistically encoded social stereotypes.711Osterhout L -
Henry Ou
Assistant ProfessorOtolaryngology - Head and Neck SurgeryAs with many medical diseases, prevention of hearing loss may ultimately prove to be more effective than treatment. I am interested in developing strategies to halt hearing loss in its early stages by preventing the death of hair cells in the inner ear. My research thus revolves around understanding mechanisms of hair cell injury, and developing medical treatments for the prevention of ototoxic injury.704Ou H -
Wendy Parkinson
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David Perkel
ProfessorBiology and OtolaryngologyResearch InterestsNeural mechanisms of vocal learning and productionPrimary Methodologieselectrophysiological, neuroanatomical and behavioral approachesWe study the neural mechanisms of vocal learning in songbirds, which learn their songs in a process resembling the learning of speech in humans.720Perkel DJ -
James Phillips
Research Associate ProfessorOtolaryngology - Head and Neck SurgeryResearch InterestsBrainstem control of oculomotor function and vestibular sensation; comparative biology of vestibular function; development of behavior in infants and children; genetic influences on vestibular and oculomotor function; neural mechanisms of adaptation and lPrimary MethodologiesNeural Recording and Behavioral ExperimentsDr. Phillips is a UW research associate professor in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and director of the Dizziness and Balance Center. He has an extensive research program that includes affiliations with the UW's Human Interface Technology Laboratory, the UW Autism Center, Virginia Merrill Bloedel Hearing Research Center, Center for Integrative Brain Research at Children's Hospital, and the Washington National Primate Research Center.28Phillips JO -
Remy Pujol
Emeritus Professor, University of Montpellier / INSERMResearch Interestsdevelopment, degeneration, regeneration of the cochleaPrimary Methodologieselectron microscopyIs there anything you like to know, or to see, about hair cells and their synapses ? Please come to me, e-mail rpujol@uw.edu, or visit my website http://www.cochlea.org, still in development but which may soon become a common website with Bloedel!35Pujol R and cochlear synapses -
David Raible
Adjunct Professor of Genome Sciences and of Biology; Professor, Biological StructureGenome Sciences, BiologyMy lab is interested in how, during embryonic development, cells of the nervous system acquire their specific fates, so that they display the distinct characteristics necessary for their proper function. We have been examining how neural crest cells make cell fate choices in the zebrafish embryo, an emerging vertebrate developmental system with distinct advantages for cellular, molecular and genetic study. The neural crest generates the neurons and glia of the peripheral nervous system, as well as pigment cells and craniofacial cartilages. We are interested in how environmental factors such as wnts and BMPs are involved in specifying these cell fates. We have also performed a genetic screen to identify genes involved in the specification of particular lineages. We have identified mutations affecting the development of dorsal root ganglia, the enteric nervous system, jaw cartilages and pigment cells. Our overall goal is to determine how these genes regulate differentiation into specific cell types, identify upstream factors regulating their expression and the downstream effectors that confer specific cell characteristics.37Raible DW -
Bruce Ransom
Warren and Jermaine Magnuson Professor and Chair of NeurologyNeurology; Adjunct Professor of Physiology and BiophysicsDr. Ransom is an internationally recognized authority on the physiology and function of glial cells and on the pathophysiology of neural injury. Especially relevant to stroke is the research that Dr. Ransom and colleagues conduct on how the long processes of neurons, called axons, are injured. Much of the neurological dysfunction seen after stroke is a consequence of axonal damage.691Ransom BR -
Thomas Rees
Associate Professor, AudiologistOtolaryngology - Head & Neck SurgeryResearch InterestsAudiology, Ear, Nose & Throat (Otolaryngology)731Rees TS -
Thomas Reh
ProfessorBiological StructureResearch InterestsRetinal Development and RegenerationPrimary MethodologiesReh TAThe overall goal of Dr. Reh’s research is to understand the cell and molecular biology of regeneration in the eye. He has worked at the interface between development and regeneration, focusing on the retina. The lab is currently divided into a team that studies retinal development and a team that studies retinal regeneration, with the goal of applying the principles learned from developmental biology to design rationale strategies for promoting retinal regeneration in the adult mammalian retina. His research has been funded through numerous grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and many private foundations, and he has served on several national and international grant review panels, including NIH study sections, and is currently a member of the Scientific Advisory Board of the Foundation Fighting Blindness and of a start-up biotechnology company, Acucela. He has received several awards for his work, including the AHFMR and Sloan Scholar awards. He has published over 100 journal articles, reviews and books, nearly all in the field of retinal regeneration and development.730Reh TA -
Todd Richards
ProfessorRadiologyResearch InterestsBrain metabolic changes and functional relationshipsPrimary MethodologiesImagingDr. Richards studies metabolic changes and functional relationships in the brain during the progression of neurodegenerative diseases and during language processing. His brain imaging projects involve functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) of language, memory, pain, face perception, and states of consciousness. He also studies EEG event-related potentials that are co-registered to MRI and fMRI during the cognitive task of face perception. Proton MR spectroscopy is also used in several projects to study neurochemical changes in neurological disorders. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), functional connectivity, and perfusion imaging are also used. By use of proton echo-planar spectroscopic imaging (PEPSI), Richards and colleagues measure various brain metabolites (lactate, N-acetyl-aspartate, choline, and creatine) to try to identify brain regions that are normally activated during language processing and which may be dysfunctional in children with dyslexia. Studies led by Richards comparing brain changes in children with and without dyslexia should elucidate critical features of genetic, developmental, and environmental interactions among influences affecting the severity of the disability. He is also involved in using fast spectroscopic imaging to observe decreases in N-acetyl-asparate and choline-containing compounds in animal models of multiple sclerosis (MS) and in humans with MS. Richards hopes to shed light on the neurophysiologic cause of MS and determine why clinically silent MRI lesions are present in MS patients.729Richards TL -
Robert Rostomily
Associate ProfessorNeurosurgeryResearch InterestsTumors of the Skull BaseDr. Rostomily, associate professor of neurological surgery, specializes in tumors of the skull base, especially meningiomas, chordomas and acoustic neuromas. He is also conducting research on skull-base tumors to find new approaches to treatment.724Rostomily RC -
Edwin Rubel
Virginia Merrill Bloedel Professor of Hearing Science, Professor of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck surgery, Professor of Physiology and Biophysics, Adjunct Professor of PsychologyVirginia Merrill Bloedel Hearing Research CenterResearch InterestsAuditory Physiology; Developmental NeurobiologyOur research uses a wide variety of methods and numerous preparations to better understand development, plasticity, pathology and potential repair of the inner ear and auditory pathways of the brian. We investigate both the fundamental neurobiology of hearing and translational opportunities of the present and future that are directed toward preventing and curing hearing loss and balance disorders. One research program endeavors to understand cellular processes underlying the development of information processing in the auditory system. Anatomical, physiological, and acoustical methods are used to examine development of cellular mechanisms underlying acoustic signal processing by the inner ear. Parallel studies using both in vivo and in vitro preparations examine the factors that include growth of connections in the brain stem auditory pathways. A second research program addresses the problem of how experience influences brain development. Using manipulations of the amount and pattern of neuronal activity impinging on neurons in the brain stem auditory system of birds and mammals, we study the cellular nature of signals that influence the growth, remodeling, and maintenance of neuronal and glial elements. A third research program studies the cellular and molecular events involved in inner ear hair cell death due to environmental toxins or aging. In vivo and in vitro preparations of inner ear sensory epithelium are used to study death and cell survival pathways. A unique zebrafish mutagenesis and screening assay is used to discover genes and drugs that modulate inner ear hair cell responses to ototoxic drugs. The final research program stems from the discovery that birds can regenerate inner ear receptor cells (hair cells) following noise- or drug-induced hearing loss. Ongoing studies are aimed at determining the cellular and molecular events responsible for initiating hair cell regeneration and using hair cell regeneration to study plasticity of the avian brain.725Rubel EW -
Daniel Rubens
Assistant ProfessorAnaesthesia & Pain MedicineResearch InterestsSIDSSudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) claims the lives of 2,500 infants in the United States every year. Striking without warning and leaving scant clues about its cause, SIDS has defied all attempts to unlock its secret, casting a shadow of fear over every family with a newborn. I am researching the finding of a hearing deficit from inner ear damage, noted at birth in SIDS infants with newborn hearing tests, and its potential relationship to the later mechanism of death.31Rubens D -
Jay Rubinstein
Virginia Merrill Bloedel Professor and DirectorOtology-Neurotology, BioengineeringResearch InterestsProsthetic neurostimulation of the inner earPrimary MethodologiesBehavior, modeling & computation, signal processing, physiology, clinical trialsBiophysical models of the response of auditory neurons have led to several promising signal processing strategies for cochlear implants to enhance speech and music perception. Our laboratory has developed methods to implement these strategies in cochlear implants and determine outcomes in human subjects. In addition, we have developed a variety of behavioral techniques to rapidly assess the benefits of enhanced signal processing. In a separate project we have developed a vestibular implant suitable for clinical trials and have performed the first such implants in human subjects. We are assessing both clinical efficacy of the device as well as performing basic studies of the response of the human vestibular system to electrical stimulation.726rubinstein jt -
Noah S. Seixas
ProfessorEnvironmental and Occupational Health SciencesResearch InterestsNoise exposure, noise-induced hearing lossPrimary MethodologiesField-based exposure studies and epidemiologyOur work involves assessing noise exposures among workers in high noise industry, including construction, ship-building, manufacturing, etc. We have completed a 10-year longitudinal study of NIHL among construction workers, using both pure-tone audiometry and DPOAEs in our assessments. We have also conducted a number of field based studies on hearing protection use and training effectiveness.718Seixas NS -
Eric Shea-Brown
Assistant ProfessorApplied MathematicsResearch InterestsMathematical Biology, Mathematical NeuroscienceEric's interests span a wide set of topics in mathematical neuroscience and biological dynamics. Recent work focuses on optimal signal processing and decision making in simple neural networks, dynamics of neural populations in interval timing tasks, correlations and reliability in simple neural circuits, and properties of oscillator networks with generalized symmetries. This work is supported by the Burroughs-Wellcome Fund (BWF) Scientific Interfaces Program, the NSF, and the Pacific Northwest Center for Neural Engineering.698Shea-Brown E -
Kathleen Sie
Professor, Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck SurgeryDepartment of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck SurgeryResearch InterestsI am interested in clinical outcomes research in areas related to childhood communication.707Sie KC -
Joseph Sisneros
Associate ProfessorDepartments of Psychology and BiologyThe primary focus of the Sisneros lab is the investigation of seasonal reproductive-state and steroid-dependent plasticity of the adult auditory system in the plainfin midshipman fish (Porichthys notatus).32Sisneros JA -
William Spain
Professor of Neurology and Physiology and BiophysicsNeurologyMy lab is identifying the rules for transducing synaptic input into frequency-coded trains of action potentials in neocortical neurons and brainstem auditory relay neurons. Because those neurons perform different functions, their transduction mechanisms contrast sharply.727Spain WJ -
Francis Spelman
ProfessorBioengineering701Spelman FA -
Jennifer Stone
Research ProfessorOtolaryngology/Head and Neck SurgeryResearch InterestsHearing and balance, development and regeneration of sensory hair cells, biology of hair cell progenitorsPrimary MethodologiesTransgenic mouse models, aminoglycoside and genetically mediated hair cell lesions, cell and organ culture, electroporation, immunofluorescence, RNA localization and quantification, confocal microscopyThe long-term goal of the Stone lab is to define biological treatments for hearing and balance disorders in humans. Our target for therapy is the hair cell, whose demise underlies most forms of hearing and balance disorders. We are trying to devise strategies to promote regeneration of hair cells, so our studies focus on supporting cells, which are the progenitor cells that form new hair cells. Our efforts are aimed at characterizing properties of hair cell progenitors and identifying signals that control their cell cycle re-entry and transdifferentiation into hair cells following damage.30Stone JS -
Valerie Street
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Bruce Tempel
ProfessorOtolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery and PharmacologyResearch InterestsNeurogenetics in Auditory FunctionDr. Tempel’s research uses genetics as a starting point to study hearing loss. The complex structure of the auditory system and its demand for fast and precise encoding is the likely reason why there are a number of different gene mutations cause hearing loss. The fact that auditory malfunctions are not lethal to the organism makes genetic analysis of hearing loss a particularly useful way to probe the biological basis of deafness. Detailed studies on each gene provide information on how hearing happens and how it might be ameliorated in people with hearing loss. Several mouse mutants being studied currently in the Tempel lab are involved in the transport of ions across excitable membranes. In deafwaddler mutant mice, even slight reductions in activity of the calcium ion pump PMCA2 cause high-frequency hearing loss in mice that is very similar to presbycusis in humans. In knockout mice that lack the genes Kv1.1 and Kv1.2, electrophysiology studies show that action potential transmission is altered in the auditory nuclei of these mice. Deafness in quivering mice is caused by mutations in a structural gene (spectrin beta 4) that anchors sodium channels at axon initial segments and at nodes of Ranvier. Tempel’s group also uses quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping techniques to identify chromosomal regions that make certain strains of mice resistant to noise and DNA microarray techniques to identify genes that are differentially expressed between noise-resistant and non-resistant strains of mice. The aim is to identify genes that contribute to making these mouse strains very resistant to noise exposure. Homologous genes in humans may be targets for therapeutic intervention.29Tempel BL -
Kelly Tremblay
ProfessorDepartment of Speech and Hearing SciencesResearch InterestsAuditory Deprivation; Auditory StimulationDr. Tremblay and her research team are interested in auditory rehabilitation and study experience-related changes in the brain. Their program of research includes the effects of auditory deprivation (age-related hearing loss) and stimulation (hearing aids, cochlear implantation, and auditory training) on the brain. Hearing aids and cochlear implants help compensate for disorders of the ear, but successful rehabilitation also depends on the integrity of the central auditory system. Therefore, to learn more about the representation of sound in the brain, members of the Brain and Behavior lab use EEG methods to explore how sound is processed in the auditory systems of people with and without hearing loss.732Tremblay KL -
Olena Velushchak
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Edward Weaver
Associate Professor, Chief of Sleep SurgeryOtolaryngology - Head and Neck SurgeryResearch InterestsSurgical Care of Sleep Disordered Breathing (Snoring and Sleep Apnea); Clinical Epidemiology and Outcomes ResearchDr. Weaver focuses his clinical efforts on the surgical care of sleep disordered breathing (snoring and sleep apnea) at the UW Sleep Disorders Center at Harborview Medical Center. He also practices general otolaryngology at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System at American Lake and Seattle. Dr. Weaver studies treatment outcomes and health services in otolaryngology, with a special interest in sleep apnea, as an investigator in the UW Center for Cost & Outcomes Research.699Weaver EM -
Lynne Werner
ProfessorDepartment of Speech and Hearing SciencesResearch InterestsHearing developmentPrimary MethodologiesPsychophysicsThe goal of our research is to understand how hearing develops during infancy. We observe infants’ behavior in response to sound. Our research is funded by the National Institute for Deafness and Other Communication Disorders and by the Virginia Merrill Bloedel Hearing Research Center.709Werner L -
Ernest Weymuller
Professor; Associate Medical Director for Surgery, University of Washington Medical CenterOtolaryngology - Head and Neck SurgeryResearch InterestsHead and Neck Surgery, Sinus DiseaseMy two areas of clinical care are the surgical management of chronic sinusitis and participation in the UW multi-disciplinary approach to patients with head and neck tumors697Weymuller EA -
Mark Whipple
Associate Professor; Associate Program DirectorOtolaryngology - Head and Neck SurgeryDr. Whipple is interested in General otolaryngology; sinus surgery; sleep surgery; otology; maxillofacial trauma; and biomedical informatics (the use of computer technology to improve medical practice, patient care and biomedical research).716Whipple M -
Rachel Wong
ProfessorBiological Structure737Wong RO