FACULTY

Hearing and balance disorders affect millions worldwide, with nearly 1 in 8 people in the U.S. experiencing some form of hearing loss, and balance dysfunction significantly impacting quality of life. The sensory cells of the inner ear—called hair cells—play a crucial role in detecting sound vibrations and head movements by converting mechanical stimuli into electrical signals for the brain to interpret. These hair cells are highly sensitive to damage and are not naturally regenerated in humans, resulting in permanent inner ear dysfunction.

To address this challenge, my research employs an organoid (or “organ-in-a-dish”) model system alongside lentiviral tools, CRISPR-based gene modulation, and cutting-edge genomic approaches to explore fundamental questions about gene function in inner ear sensory hair cell development. This work provides a platform for understanding the mechanisms that underlie hearing and balance disorders and for developing potential strategies to restore inner ear function.