Unraveling the membrane biophysics of the auditory system 

The plasma membrane is a key regulator of cellular excitability and remains a greatly understudied area of cellular neuroscience. Our lab investigates the long-standing but underexplored idea that the lipid membrane is not merely a passive scaffold for the mechanotransduction (MET) machinery in cochlear hair cells, but an active regulator of hearing itself.

We combine advanced live-cell imaging, viscosity-sensitive molecular probes, electrophysiology, and lipidomics in mouse and rat cochlear explants to ask how membrane composition and mechanics tune the sensitivity of the ear's sound-detecting channels — work with direct relevance to noise- and age-related hearing loss.

Our lab believes in promoting diversity in science. We will strive to build and maintain an inclusive environment in which our members support and feel supported by each other both professionally and personally.

We are currently recruiting new members!

Interested graduate students and postdoc candidates contact us.