I serve as Research Coordinator for two leading neuroscience laboratories at the University of Montreal, contributing to cutting-edge research in auditory processing and cognitive neuroscience.

The Tinnitus and Hyperacusis Research Laboratory

Dr. Sylvie Hébert
University of Montreal
Principal Investigator: Dr. Sylvie Hébert

My Role: Research Coordinator

I coordinate research activities focused on auditory processing, tinnitus, and hearing disorders. My responsibilities include:

  • Project Management: Overseeing multiple concurrent research projects
  • Data Collection: Coordinating EEG recordings and audiometric assessments
  • Data Analysis: Signal processing and statistical analysis of neurophysiological data
  • Participant Coordination: Managing recruitment and scheduling
  • Quality Control: Ensuring data integrity and methodological rigor

Research Focus

The Tinnitus and Hyperacusis Research Laboratory investigates:

  • Tinnitus characterization and treatment: Developing psychoacoustical methods to better diagnose tinnitus and study how interventions modify the tinnitus percept
  • Tinnitus distress and co-morbidities: Understanding why 1-2% of tinnitus sufferers experience severe distress, focusing on stress and sleep interactions
  • Hyperacusis mechanisms: Investigating abnormal sound intolerance despite normal hearing, addressing the lack of objective diagnostic criteria
  • Loudness perception pathologies: Exploring how normal loudness encoding is disrupted in tinnitus and hyperacusis
  • Fundamental hearing research: Characterizing normal hearing processes to better understand hearing pathologies
  • Instrument development: Creating tools for improved assessment of hearing disorders and treatment outcomes

Key Methodologies

  • Electroencephalography (EEG) and event-related potentials
  • Audiometry and psychoacoustical measurements
  • Residual inhibition testing protocols
  • Sleep studies and polysomnography
  • Heart rate variability analysis
  • Tinnitus severity and distress questionnaires

Cognition, Audition and Time Lab

Dr. Victoria Duda
University of Montreal
Principal Investigator: Dr. Victoria Duda

My Role: Research Coordinator

I coordinate research investigating cognitive enhancement, learning, and individual differences in cognitive abilities. My contributions include:

  • Experimental Design: Contributing to study protocols and methodology
  • Data Management: Organizing and preprocessing neurophysiological data
  • Statistical Analysis: Advanced modeling of cognitive and neural data
  • Technology Integration: Implementing new recording and analysis techniques
  • Collaboration: Facilitating interdisciplinary research partnerships

Research Focus

The Cognition, Audition and Time Lab explores:

  • EEG-optimized hearing aid programming: Using EEG gap detection protocols to improve hearing device programming for elderly populations (NSERC-funded)
  • Hyperacusis treatment with sound therapy: Investigating hearing aid-based sound therapy treatments for abnormal sound sensitivity
  • Educational accessibility for hearing loss: Working with AQEPA and AQEIPS to improve communication systems and accommodations for students
  • Musicians’ hearing screening: Creating comprehensive multi-level auditory evaluation programs for hearing loss prevention in musicians
  • tDCS for auditory dyssynchrony: Applying transcranial direct current stimulation to treat sound processing disorders

Key Methodologies

  • Electroencephalography (EEG) and gap detection protocols
  • Audiometric testing and hearing aid fitting
  • Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)
  • Multi-level auditory screening programs
  • Sound therapy and hearing aid programming

Collaborative Environment

Inter-Lab Collaboration

Working across both laboratories provides unique opportunities for:

  • Cross-Domain Expertise: Combining auditory and cognitive research approaches
  • Methodological Innovation: Sharing techniques and best practices
  • Resource Optimization: Coordinating equipment and participant pools
  • Interdisciplinary Projects: Developing research at the intersection of domains

University of Montreal Neuroscience Community

Both labs are part of the vibrant neuroscience community at University of Montreal, which includes:

  • Research centers and institutes
  • Graduate training programs
  • Collaborative research initiatives
  • Access to state-of-the-art facilities

Research Coordination Philosophy

As a Research Coordinator, I believe in:

  • Rigorous Methodology: Ensuring the highest standards of experimental design
  • Open Science: Promoting transparency and reproducibility
  • Collaborative Research: Fostering productive partnerships
  • Mentorship: Supporting student researchers and trainees
  • Innovation: Embracing new technologies and approaches

Laboratory Websites

  • The Tinnitus and Hyperacusis Research Laboratory: [University of Montreal Department Page]
  • Cognition, Audition and Time Lab: [University of Montreal Department Page]

Note: I serve as Research Coordinator and am not the Principal Investigator for these laboratories. Dr. Sylvie Hébert and Dr. Victoria Duda are the respective lab directors.