Current Research and Scholarly Interests
We are interested in how the inner ear forms from an early anlage called the otic placode. Our goal is to describe the otic lineage from an early placodal progenitor until it splits into multiple cell types that make up the sensory epithelia, innervating ganglia, and accessory structures.
In parallel, we apply the knowledge we gained from guiding embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells along the otic lineage to find ways to cure hearing loss. This involves the identification of mechanisms of sensory hair cell regeneration in animals such as chickens that recover from hearing loss, screening for potential regenerative targets that can be activated with drugs and exploring reprogramming and cell transplantation strategies.
We support inclusive, diverse, and equitable conduct of research. We resist attempts to dictate uniformity and embrace all forms of diversity. Members of the lab are encouraged to be different and to feel good about it.
