Here is the list of the previous personnel that worked in our lab;
Undergraduate
* refers to a basic sciences project supervised at the McGill Auditory Sciences Laboratory
^ refers to a clinical research project supervised at the Montreal Children’s Hospital
please note that only selected presentations and publications are listed for each student.
*Zoe Verzani, Physiology research student, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, 2019
* Michel Azzi, summer research student, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, 2013
* Wang Huasheng, summer research student, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, 2013
* Stephanie Mourad, summer research student, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, 2011. Source of funding: Kevric Summer Research Bursary $2834
* Nicolas Tassé, summer research student, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, May 2011
* Isabelle Dupuis, summer research student, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, 2010. Source of funding: Kevric Summer Research Bursary $2834
* Cathy Lemieux, summer research assistant, McGill University Health Center Research Institute, 2009-2010. Source of funding: CIHR
* Theodora Dumitra, summer research student, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, 2009. Source of funding: CIHR student Research Bursary $2500
* Pierre-Olivier Laberge, summer research student, Veterinary school, University of Montreal, 2008. Source of funding: Sickkids Foundation grant
* Ling Yuan Kong, summer research student, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, 2008. Source of funding: Fonds de la recherche en Santé $2834
* Dorottya Tikasz, summer research student, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, 2008. Source of funding: Fonds de la recherche en Santé $2834
* Barbara Cynthia Ng, summer research student, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, 2008. Source of funding: Schering grant $2000
* Matthew McIntosh, Physiology research student, Department of Physiology, McGill University, 2008. Source of funding: CIHR grant Drs Rohlicek + Dr Daniel
Work in progress
* Meghan Brown, Undergraduate student, Faculty of Sciences, McGill University, 2007-2008
*^ Melanie Duval, medical student, McGill University, 2006 and 2007, Program: research elective student and clinical rotation
^ Jessica Kozack, University of Waterloo, 2006, Program: summer research student
^ Yalon Dolev, medical student, McGill University, 2006, Program: summer research student
^ Nathalie Mongeau, psychology, Concordia University, 2007, Program: research student
^ Brian Wise, Department of Physiology, McGill University, 2006, Program: summer research student
^ M Samuel Abourbih, Department of Physiology, McGill University, 2007, Program: summer research student
* Marc Eli Nader, Faculty of medicine, McGill University, 2005, 2006, Program: summer research student & Otolaryngology research elective
* Ms Mary Karoulis, Department of Physiology, McGill University, 2004, Program: summer scholarship.
^ Ms Vi Vu, medical student, University of Montreal, 2004, Program: Research elective.
^ M Peter Abou-Jaoude, medical student, McGill University, 2003, Funding: Charles K. McLeod Memorial Scholarship Fund, $2000
Graduate students
* refers to projects conducted at the McGill Auditory Sciences Laboratory
Marjolaine Couture, Department of Otolaryngology, McGill University.
Program: Master of Science (Otolaryngology), 2018-2019
Topic: Bone Anchored Hearing Aid System User’s Perspective
Funding: MUHCRI
Dr Emily Kay-Rivest, Department of Otolaryngology, McGill University.
Program: Master of Science (Otolaryngology), 2018-2019
Topic: Ultrasound imaging of tonsils: a new modality
Funding: CIHR
* Dr Orhun Kose, Department of Biomedical Engineering, McGill University
Program: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Topic: Experimental validation of Finite-element models
Co-supervisor with Dr WRJ Funnell
Funding: CIHR grant
* Dr Aren Bezdjian, Department of Otolaryngology, McGill University.
Program: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Topic: Bone osseo-integration
Main supervisor, Co-supervisors Dr B Willie, Dr JP Farmer
Funding: CIHR grant
Dr Joe Saliba, Department of Otolaryngology, McGill University.
Program: Master of Science (Otolaryngology)
Topic: Neural correlates of music perception in cochlear implant users using functional neuroimaging
Funding: FRQS
* Lenhart Stephanie Fay, Department of Otolaryngology, McGill University.
Program: Master of Science (Otolaryngology)
Topic: Long-term hearing loss assessment and PEACH scores of children exposed to platinum chemotherapy
Funding: FRQS
* Joseph Rothstein, Department of Otolaryngology, McGill University.
Program: Master of Science (Otolaryngology), January 2013 - 2016
Topic: Cisplatin ototoxicity and pharmacogenomics
Main supervisor
Funding: CIHR grant
* Dr Alarfaj, Abdullah, Department of Otolaryngology, McGill University
Program: Master of Science (Otolaryngology): 2014 – 2016
Topic: Chronic effects of Onabotulinum toxin A on the parotid glands: An animal model
Sole supervisor
Funding: CIHR grant
* Hamid Motallebzadeh, Department of Biomedical Engineering, McGill University
Program: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) 2010-2016
Topic: Finite-element models related to widebrand tympanometry in newborns
Co-supervisor with Dr WRJ Funnell
Funding: CIHR grant
* Dr Victoria Akinpelu, Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University
Program: Ph.D. in Neuroscience: Jan 2011 – Jan 2014
Topic: High-frequency otoacoustic emissions in newborn hearing screening
Sole supervisor
Funding: CIHR grant
* Dr Pezhman Salehi, Department of Surgery, McGill University
Program: Ph.D. in Surgical Research: Jan 2010 – Jan 2014
Topic: Prevention of cisplatin ototoxicity by curcumin loaded nanoparticles
Sole supervisor
Funding: CIHR grant
* Dr Laurence Martin, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Montreal
Program: Ph.D. in Surgical Research: 2010 – 2018
Topic: Toxicity of carbon monoxide on the central and peripheral auditory system
Co-supervisor with Pr Tony Leroux
Funding: L’institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail (IRSST)
Dr Sofia Waissbluth, Department of Surgery, McGill University
Program: Ph.D. in Surgical Research: Jan 2010 – Aug 2013 (successful completion)
Thesis: Cisplatin-induced ototoxicity and cytoprotective alternatives
Sole supervisor
Funding: CIHR grant
Dr Faisal Zawawi, Department of Otolaryngology, McGill University.
Program: Master of Science (Otolaryngology), July 2013 - 2016
Topic: Effect of caffeine on Hearing After an Acoustic Trauma
Main supervisor, co-supervisor Dr Jamie Rappaport
Funding: CIHR grant and Postgraduate studies of research grant, ministry of higher education, Saudi Arabia
Dr Isabel Cordona, Department of Otolaryngology, McGill University
Program: Master of Science (Otolaryngology), 2013 - 2015
Topic: Long-term effect of botulinum toxin injection on salivary gland tissue
Sole supervisor
Funding: McGill Head & Neck cancer fund
Dr Aren Bezdjian, Department of Otolaryngology, McGill University.
Program: Master of Science (Otolaryngology), 2013 - 2015
Topic: The effect of radiotherapy in aminoglycoside ototoxicity and noise induced hearing loss
Sole supervisor
Funding: CIHR grant
Dr Nader Emami, Department of Otolaryngology, McGill University.
Program: Master of Science (Otolaryngology), January 2012 -
Topic: Determinants of cisplatin ototoxicity and pharmacogenomics
Sole supervisor
Funding: CIHR grant
Dr Nagi El-Sabbagh, Department of Otolaryngology, McGill University.
Program: Master of Science (Otolaryngology), January 2012 -
Topic: Clinical trial for the prevention of cisplatin ototoxicity
Sole supervisor
Funding: CIHR grant
Dr Parisa Rashnoo, Department of Otolaryngology, McGill University.
Program: Master of Science (Otolaryngology), January 2012 –
Topic: Comparison of objective scales in drooling quantification
Sole supervisor
Funding: McGill Head & Neck Fund
Dr Jacob Pitaro, Department of Pediatric Surgery, McGill University.
Program: Master of Science (Experimental Surgery), January 2012 – July 2013
Topic: Tympanometry in the newborn
Sole supervisor
Funding: CIHR grant
Dr Mario Mujica-Mota, Department of Otolaryngology, McGill University.
Program: Master of Science (Otolaryngology), January 2011– January 2013
Topic: Otoprotection of metformin in radiation-induced sensorineural hearing loss
Sole supervisor
Funding: CIHR grant
Research Scholarship from the Universidad Autonoma del Estado de Mexico
Dr Sawsan Al-Mot, Department of Surgery, McGill University.
Program: Master of Science (Experimental Surgery), July 2011 - July 2013
Topic: Molecular signatures as a new classification scheme for chronic rhinosinusitis
Co-supervisor with Dr M Desrosiers
Funding: Dr Desrosier’s laboratory funds
Dr Emilia Peleva, Department of Surgery, McGill University.
Program: Master of Science (Experimental Surgery), September 2010 - March 2012
Topic: Cispatinum ototoxicity prevention
Sole supervisor
Funding: CIHR grant
Dr Zhoobin Abbasi Mood, Department of Surgery, McGill University.
Program: Master of Science (Experimental Surgery) Jan 2010 - June 2011.
Topic: Delivery techniques of otoprotective agents
Sole supervisor
Funding: CIHR grant
Dr Sofia Waissbluth, Department of Otolaryngology, McGill University
Program: Master of Science (Otolaryngology) started Jan 2010 - June 2011
Topic: Cispatinum ototoxicity prevention
Sole supervisor
Funding: CIHR grant
* Dr. Raymundo Munguia, Department of Surgery, McGill University
Program: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Major: Experimental Surgery Thesis.
Started at PhD level 2 in 2006 (Fast-track), graduated in 2010
Topic: Mechanisms and prevention of cisplatinum-induced ototoxicity; a novel approach
Sole supervisor
Funding: CIHR grant
* Nima Maftoon, Department of Biomedical Engineering, McGill University
Program: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) September 2008 – 2014
Topic: middle ear modelling
Co-supervisor with Dr WRJ Funnell
Funding: CIHR grant
* Dr. Valerie Cote, Department of Otolaryngology, McGill University
Program: Master of Science (Otolaryngology) started in 2011, expected completion 2013
Topic: Validation of a Pediatric Reflux finding score and questionnaire
Co-supervisor with JJ Manoukian and J Kimoff
Funding: American Laryngological Association, $10,000 USD
* Dr. Georges Makhoul, Department of Surgery, McGill University
Program: Master of Science (Experimental Surgery) 2008 - 2010
Topic: Nano-encapsulated curcumin in a chinchilla ear model
Sole supervisor
Funding: Sickkids Foundation and CIHR grants
* Ms Denise Murphy, Department of Surgery, McGill University
Program: Master of Science (Experimental Surgery), 2008 - 2010
Topic: Prevention of cisplatinum ototoxicity, a clinical trial.
Sole supervisor
Funding: CIHR grant
Award: Principal’s Graduate Fellowship, July 2008 ($2500)
* Brian Gariepy, Department of Biomedical Engineering, McGill University
Program Master of Engineering, 2008-2011
Topic: Finite element modelling of the newbom ear canal and middle ear
Co-supervisor with Dr WRJ Funnell
Funding: NSERC (Dr Funnell)
* Shruti Nambiar, Department of Biomedical Engineering, McGill University.
Program: Master Engineering started in January 2007, completed November 2009.
Topic: An Experimental study of middle-ear vibrations in gerbils
Co-supervisor with Dr WRJ Funnell
Funding: NSERC (Dr Funnell)
* Dr Jonathan Young, Department of Otolaryngology, McGill University.
Program: Master of Science (Otolaryngology), started in 2007, expected completion 2009.
Topic: Mechanics of the human larynx.
Co-supervised with Dr Luc Mongeau
Funding: CIHR (joint grant with Dr Mongeau)
Award: Principal’s Graduate Fellowship, July 2008 ($2500)
* Dr Sumeet M Anand, Department of Otolaryngology, McGill University.
Program: Master of Science (Experimental Surgery), 2005 - 2008.
Topic: Correlation between tumor and nodal volume and survival in Head & Neck Cancer. Sole supervisor
Funding: “Bourse de formation de maîtrise” training scholarship award from the FRSQ
* M Nicolas El-Laham, Department of Biomedical Engineering, McGill University.
Program: Master of Engineering with thesis started in 2004, completed Fall 2007.
Topic: An experimental study of middle-ear vibrations in gerbils.
Co-supervised with Dr WRJ Funnell
Funding: CIHR
* Dr. Raymundo Munguia, Department of Otolaryngology, McGill University.
Program: Master of Science (Otolaryngology) 2004 - 2006
Topic: Ototoxicity of ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone solution in an animal model.
Sole supervisor
Funding: Research Scholarship from the Universidad Autonoma del Estado de Mexico
* M Fadi Akache, Department of Biomedical Engineering, McGill University
Program: Master of Engineering with thesis, started in 2002 completed in 2004
Topic: Laser Doppler vibrometry measurement of the rat eardrum.
Co-supervised with Dr WRJ Funnell
Funding: FRSQ Establishment funds for SJ Daniel and NSERC for WRJ Funnell
* M Li Qi, Department of Biomedical Engineering, McGill University
Program: PhD, started in 2002 completed in 2007
Topic: non-linear finite-element model of the newborn middle ear
Co-supervised with Dr WRJ Funnell
Funding: CIHR
Otolaryngology research residents (research year)
* refers to projects conducted at the McGill Auditory Sciences Laboratory. This is NOT part of the Master of Otolaryngology program
* Dr Yazeed Al-Ghonaim, resident Department of Otolaryngology, McGill University, 2012
Program: Otolaryngology residency research year.
Topic: Hyaluronic acid injection for vocal fold scar healing in a rat model
Co-supervisor with Dr Luc Mongeau
Funding: CIHR
* Dr Yalon Dolev, resident Department of Otolaryngology, McGill University, 2009
Program: Otolaryngology residency research year.
Topic: 3-D volumetric analysis of tumour burden in Head & Neck cancer
Sole supervisor
Funding: McGill Head and Neck Fund
* Dr Vi Vu, resident, Department of Otolaryngology, McGill University, 2008.
Program: Otolaryngology residency research year
Topic: Prevention of cisplatinum ototoxicity in a guinea pig model
Sole supervisor
Funding: Sickkids Foundation and CIHR
* Dr Nadine Yammine, Department of Otolaryngology, McGill University, 2008.
Program: Otolaryngology residency research year
Topic: Cisplatinum ototoxicity prevention in cancer patients
Sole supervisor
Funding: McGill Head and Neck Fund
* Dr Basel Al-Sabah, Department of Otolaryngology, McGill University, 2004.
Topic: Finite-element modeling of the incudo-stapedial joint
Co-supervised with Dr WRJ Funnell
Funding: CIHR
International Postgraduate research fellows
Program: McGill Auditory Sciences Laboratory Research Fellowship.
* refers to research fellows doing a minimum of one year research fellowship at the McGill Auditory Sciences Laboratory: http://www.mcgill.ca/ent/fellowship/auditory
* Dr Farid Ibrahim (Egypt), January 2013 - 2014
Topic: Ototoxicity post cisplatin in cancer patients
* Dr Mario Mota (Mexico), July 2013- 2014
Topic: Radiotherapy and noise induced hearing loss
* Dr Mohammed AlZahrani (Saudi), July 2013- 2014
Topic: Cisplatin ototoxicity
* Dr Laila Al Masaoudi (Oman), June 2011 – July 2012
Topic: Newborn hearing screening
* Dr Koby Pitaro (Israel), July 2010 – June 2011
Topic: Wide-band reflectance and Tympanometry
* Dr Ahmed AlJarallah (Kuwait), July 2009 – June 2010
Topic: Ototoxicity of olive oil
*^ Dr Sofia Sahmkow (Venezuela), July 2006 - June 2008
Topics: Ototoxicity of cerumenolytic agents
Botox for drooling in neurologically impaired children
* Dr Bassel Al-Sabah (Kuwait), July 2007 - 2008
Topic: Laser Doppler vibrometry use in pediatric otology: a feasibility study
* Dr Victoria Olubunmi Akinpelu (Nigeria), March 2010 - June 2011
Topic: Histological changes with hypoxia in the auditory system of rats
Postdoctoral Scholars
* Dr Mathieu Charlebois (PhD), Department of Biomedical Engineering, McGill University
Program Postdoctorate 2010-2011, (Previous PhD at Ecole Polytechnique)
Topic: Finite element modelling of the middle ear
Co-supervisor with Dr WRJ Funnell
Funding: CIHR (Daniel & Funnell)
* Dr Sofia Waissbluth (PhD), Department of Surgery, McGill University
Program Postdoctorate 2013-2014, (PhD, McGill University 2013)
Topic: Prevention of cisplatin ototoxicity
Sole supervisor
Funding: CIHR
Visiting professors / students & sabbatical research year enrichment
Dr Patrice Galet, Nancy, France
Program : Visiting Scholar
Period : January – June 2018
Skills acquired: surgical research curriculum development
Dr Lalenthra Naidoo, Northern Health - British Columbia, Department of Surgery, Quesnel
Program : Visiting surgeon to learn Bone anchored hearing implant insertion
Period : November 2015
Skills acquired: Surgical hearing implant new techniques
Dr Ruben Duque Do Vale, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Portugal
Program : Visiting scholar
Period : August 2011
Skills acquired: Animal model of cisplatin ototoxicity
Dr Dasa Gluvajic, Univerzitetni klinični center Ljubljana, Slovenia
Program : Visiting scholar
Period : August 2011
Skills acquired: Research on prevention of cisplatin ototoxicity
Dr Juliana Lais Carneiro, Universidade de So Paulo, Brazil
Program : Visiting scholar
Period : Summer 2009
Skills acquired: Translational animal models
Dr Amer Almohsen, University of Michigan, USA
Program : Visiting scholar
Period : October 2009
Skills acquired: Research observership
Dr. Jin Zhang, Head of Otolaryngology, People’s Provincial Hospital of Xinjiang Autonomous Region, China
Funding : China Scholarship Council
Program : Visiting professor Sabbatical research year (Government of China)
Period : January 2006 - March 2007
Sole supervisor
Skills acquired: High frequency tympanometry measurement in newborns, ototoxicity animal model, electron microscopy of cochlea
Future Collaboration: Working on a joint research proposal for diagnosis of newborn hearing loss
Dr. Hanif Ladak (PhD), Director of Otolaryngology research, University of western Ontario and Robarts Institute
Funding : University of Western Ontario
Program : Visiting professor Sabbatical
Period : July 25 - 27, 2008
Skills acquired: Animal model preparation and laser vibrometry of the eardrum
Future Collaboration: imaging of cochlear hair cells, Simulation tools for surgical skill teaching.
Dr. Willem F Decraemer (PhD), a world-authority in middle ear mechanics, Rijksuniversitair Centrum Antwerpen, Belgium
Funding : University of Antwerp
Program : Visiting professor Sabbatical
Period : September 29 – October 8, 2008
Purpose : Collaboration with the McGill Auditory Sciences Laboratory, Dr Robert Funnell in biomedical Engineering, and Dr S Khanna in New York. Focus on experimental measures of the middle ear.
Ryan Thachen-Cary (MSc), Department of anatomy, Queen’s University
Program : Master’s thesis – Instillation of a cochlear implant for a teaching aid
Period : December 2007
Purpose : Utilize the expertise and surgical tools at the McGill Auditory Sciences Laboratory to build the teaching model of a cochlear implant.