We conduct research on audition and speech perception, as well as the disorders (e.g., tinnitus) associated with them.  This is done by using a combination of computational modeling, brain imaging experiments, and behavioral experiments. Computational modeling allows for the generation of detailed, elaborate computer programs that simulate auditory and speech perception in the brain, specifically the cerebral cortex. The modeling allows us to describe the essence of a phenomenon being studied and to make testable predictions. The predictions made by the model are tested using behavioral and imaging tools. We use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to obtain detailed images of the structure and function of the brain, in particular, to investigate the differences between patient populations and healthy controls. This will allows us to evaluate therapies and to propose novel treatment methods for a particular disorder.

Our research is conducted at the Department of Speech and Hearing Science and the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. We are in the process of updating our website, please check back again.

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A video explaining part of our research can be found here.

Postdoctoral position in MRI and fMRI at University of Illinois

A postdoctoral position is available in the Auditory Cognitive Neuroscience (ACN) laboratory directed by Dr. Fatima Husain at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The position is available for 1 year initially, with the possibility of being renewed for 2 more years. The postdoc will supervise fMRI studies investigating the neural bases of hearing loss and chronic tinnitus.  The prospective candidate should have a PhD in any of the following or related fields: psychology, communication disorders, cognitive neuroscience, computer science or engineering. Preference will be given to individuals with prior experience conducting MRI or fMRI studies and knowledge of image analysis software (e.g., Matlab, SPM, FSL, AFNI). The position starts 15 August 2010 and is open until filled. The ACNLab conducts behavioral, imaging and computational modeling studies investigating normal and disordered audition, speech and language. Apart from the Psychoacoustics suite in the ACNLab, the postdoc  will have access to 3T Siemens Allegra  and Trio scanners housed at the Biomedical Imaging Center on campus. For further information and to apply, individuals should submit a CV, 3 letters of recommendation and a letter of research interests to Dr. Fatima Husain (husainf at acnlab dot com).