Research Interests
I have a broad background in cell biology and specialized expertise in mitochondrial biology, aging, and auditory neuroscience. My long-term goal is to elucidate the conserved mechanisms that regulate the positioning, morphology, and activity of presynaptic mitochondria in cochlear hair cells, and to define how these mechanisms support auditory function under various forms of stress. We take a multidisciplinary approach that integrates electrophysiology, histology, molecular biology, and advanced imaging technologies with machine learning–based 3D data analysis. By defining the fundamental roles of hair cell mitochondria and ribbon synapses in auditory function, my research aims to uncover how various forms of stress, such as cytotoxic chemicals, noise exposure, and starvation, affect presynaptic mitochondrial health, synaptic integrity, and hearing performance across the lifespan. We also maintain a strong commitment to translational research, with a focus on developing novel therapeutic strategies to prevent cisplatin-induced hearing loss, a common and serious side effect experienced by cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. These findings will provide a foundation for developing pharmacological strategies that preserve hearing function in individuals exposed to prolonged stress.