Daniel Reijntjes, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Fellow
2019 – present
My research focuses on the inner hair cell – spiral ganglion neuron (SGN) synapses. The question that has captivated me most is how a heterogenous population of type I SGNs is formed, and what would determine their distinct susceptibility to degeneration. During my PhD I studied the contribution of sodium-activated potassium channels to the SGNs and whether they contribute to shaping the heterogeneous group of SGNs. My postdoctoral work focuses on examining the molecular mechanisms underlying excitotoxcity of the afferent nerve fibers.
Contact: dreijnt1@jhmi.edu
Megan Beers Wood, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Fellow
2018 – present
My research goal is to understand the complex interaction between the immune system and the inner ear. My PhD work centered on immune-mediated epithelial cell differentiation in the intestine. In transitioning to my postdoctoral work, I was interested to learn more about the mechanisms of tissue damage in a sterile environment. I use acoustic trauma models to understand how hair cells, neurons, and immune cells respond to damage. Currently, I am studying type II afferents as potential pain-sensing neurons in the cochlea. To study type II neurons after acoustic trauma, a range of techniques have been developed including calcium imaging, optogenetic manipulation, and immunolabeling. Next, I will use behavioral assays to build upon our current knowledge and investigate a possible mechanism for painful hyperacusis.
Contact: lwood20@jhmi.edu
Philippe Vincent, PhD
Research Associate
2016 – present
My scientific interest is focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying synaptic transmission at the very specialized ribbon synapse between auditory inner hair cells (IHCs) and type I auditory nerve fibers. During my Ph.D. work I developed a comprehensive understanding of hair cell synaptic transmission and became experienced in cochlear physiology patch clamping, including capacitance measurements, calcium uncaging, calcium imaging, and confocal microscopy.
Currently, I am: investigating the basic mechanisms of synaptic transmission; investigating the role of lateral efferent fibers in the hearing process; working toward unraveling the role of lateral efferent fibers in modulating afferent activity; and trying to find ways to regenerate ribbon synapses between IHC and type-1 afferent fibers after noise damage by using first invitro model and then in vivo model.
Contact: pvincen3@jhmi.edu
Manisha Singh, Ph.D.
Postodoctoral Fellow
10/2021 – present
Contact: msingh37@jhmi.edu
My Ph.D. training is in Stem Cell biology and neuroregeneration in Parkinson’s disease animal model. My previous (1st) post doctoral training was in neurosciences where I also did drug screening against SARS-CoV2.
Currently, I am working on synapse regeneration in the inner ear, utilizing a cell culture model of the organ of Corti. I am also exploring the use of stem cells for neuronal innervation in inner ear.
