Carolina Abdala
Principal Investigator
I am originally from Tucuman, Argentina but my family moved to the United States just before I started Kindergarten (I still consider myself both Argentinian and U.S. American!). I have been studying the ear and hearing for over 25 years, initially as a grad student at both UC Santa Barbara and the University of Washington, then as a postdoc and scientist at the House Ear Institute, and most recently as a professor at the University of Southern California. My lab studies naturally occurring changes in cochlear function throughout the arc of the human lifespan to reveal the normative framework but also to probe the intra-cochlear mechanisms driving these age-related changes. My most recent work is focused on the development of an otoacoustic emissions (OAE) test that accesses and exploits multiple cochlear processes by jointly measuring emissions generated by coherent reflection (SFOAEs) and nonlinear distortion (DPOAEs). We are doing work at present to apply this Joint-OAE Profile for the purpose of characterizing hearing loss, not just detecting it. This sort of characterization will personalize intervention and possibly initiate novel strategies for amplification as well as guide future pharmaceutical and genetic interventions.
When I am not doing science, I read a lot, walk, sing, garden, and hang out with friends, our grand-kiddos, and our sweet (retired racer) greyhound, Luna.
Random Little-Known Facts About Carolina: As a child I desperately wanted long, stick-straight hair like Marcia Brady; I love red licorice and road trips; and one of my later-in-life hobbies is reading classical literature (Victorian era and Russian mostly, but Don Quixote will always have a soft spot in my heart. And then there is Dickens…).
Samantha Stiepan
Postdoctoral Fellow
Trained as an audiologist and a hearing scientist, Samantha’s research interests lie at the intersection of basic understanding of peripheral auditory function and clinical applications. Specifically, she would like to develop a better understanding of the effects of progressive and cumulative forms of hearing loss on the human peripheral auditory system. Such an understanding is critical to improve the detection, prevention, and amelioration of hearing loss.
As a person born with hearing loss, Samantha has been fascinated by hearing, hearing loss, and hearing healthcare ever since she received her first pair of hearing aids at the age of 8. Eventually, this led to the decision to pursue a career helping those affected by hearing loss. After earning her clinical doctorate in audiology (Au.D) at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Samantha pursued a Ph.D. at Northwestern University. There her work focused on characterizing auditory degradation across the lifespan while also developing otoacoustic emission measurement protocols that aided in the early detection of cochlear forms of hearing loss.
Random Little-Known Facts About Samantha: One of Samantha’s hobbies is golfing. In fact, she has been golfing ever since the age of 9. Her absolute favorite vacation was when she travelled to Italy where she spent two weeks eating her favorite foods and drinking Chianti wine.
Tricia Benjamin, Au.D., CCC-A, Doctor Of Audiology
Research Associate
Tricia Benjamin, Au.D., comes to the lab with over 15 years in the field, the majority of those years as a Clinical/Dispensing Audiologist in both private practice and ENT-based clinics, and a short time as an Educational Specialist for a global hearing aid manufacturer covering Northern and Southern California. A short list of her many tasks included assessing and diagnosing hearing impairment in diverse populations including Veterans, as well as conducting specialized tests for tinnitus and balance assessment. Dr. Benjamin is an expert in educating both peers and patients regarding personal amplification and is an enthusiast in helping patients achieve their best hearing potential by exploring all potential options. She also thrives by using best practices and by learning continuously in this field.
Random Little-Known Facts About Tricia: Dr. Benjamin has enjoyed practicing yoga in the heat (hot yoga) since moving to Southern California. She also enjoys eating and cooking different cuisines, so much so that if she was not an Audiologist, you would catch her operating a food truck!
Ping Luo
Research Engineer
Ping has been working in the lab for over 15 years as a research engineer, developing and refining custom-designed DPOAE measurement and analysis programs and systems. He has experiences with a broad array of hearing-science projects, in analog and digital hardware design, electroacoustic measurements, software development and mathematical analysis.
Random Little-Known Facts About Ping: Ping does not like chocolate (Despite this, we allow him to work in the AbdaLab). He likes to read history books, the one hobby he shares with his son.
Collaborators
Radha Kalluri
Lab Alumni
• Jane Yang
• Samantha Mohn
• Anusha Yellamsetty
• Chandan Suresh
• Bas Meenderink
• Tom Maxim
• Yeini Guardia
• Amanda Ortmann
• Heather Porter
• Agnes Youn
• Mahnaz Ahmadi
• Megan Moreh
• Srikanta Mishra
• Silvia Batezati
• Shannon Luckovich
• Tracy Williams
• Sandy Oba
• Tracy Fitzgerald