Principal Investigator

Dr. Arjmandi is an Assistant Professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders (COMD) and the Director of Translational Auditory Neuroscience Lab in the Arnold School of Public Health at the University of South Carolina. He received his Ph.D. in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a specialization in Cognitive Sciences at Michigan State University. He completed a postdoctoral training in Auditory Neuroscience and Clinical Audiology in the Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery at Massachusetts Eye and Ear-Harvard Medical School. Dr. Arjmandi's research combines behavioral (psychophysical tuning curves, speech perception), signal processing, and neuroimaging techniques (fNIRS, EEG, fMRI) to systematically investigate the mechanisms and factors influencing the auditory, speech, and language outcomes in individuals with typical hearing and hearing loss, particularly listeners who receive cochlear implants. The goal of his basic and translational research is to translate the findings into clinical practice for developing improved diagnostic tools and personalized interventions and treatments for individuals with hearing impairment.

Research Audiologist

Anjali Desai, AuD, is a research audiologist whose passion is helping children and adults with hearing loss, with a focus on cochlear implants and other hearing technologies. She is interested in studying auditory processing in individuals with hearing loss, with an emphasis on understanding how cochlear implants and other hearing technologies can improve hearing outcomes. Anjali is known for her ability to connect with patients and their families, making them feel at ease and comfortable during experiments. Anjlai is committed to making a difference in the lives of individuals with hearing loss and their families. She is an avid reader and enjoys keeping up-to-date with the latest research in audiology and cochlear implant technologies.

Karen is a junior undergraduate research assistant in the Translational Auditory Neuroscience Lab at the University of South Carolina. Majoring in Neuroscience, her interest in research stems from her curiosity about brain operations. She is fascinated by human speech, specifically focusing on phonological contrasts, and speaking styles, to gain a deeper understanding of how auditory input contributes to the shaping of the human auditory system. She is involved in a project that investigates the role of caregiver responsiveness to language development of children with cochlear implants. After receiving her undergraduate degree, Karen plans to pursue a Ph.D. in neurosurgery and she enjoys reading, writing, and playing the piano/flute in her spare time.

Kathryn is from Long Island, New York. She is a biology major in the Honors College with a minor in economics. She plans to attend medical school and pursue a career in the healthcare field. Kathryn joined the Translational Auditory Neuroscience lab with Dr. Arjmandi in January 2023 as an undergraduate research assistant.  She is currently working on the importance of the electrode-neuron interface and specific measures that help to improve speech and language outcomes in listeners with cochlear implants. This can potentially be applied to improve overall hearing in cochlear implant listeners, particularly in noisy conditions. In her free time, she enjoys going to the beach and spending time with friends and family.

Sarah is an undergraduate research assistant in the Translational Auditory Neuroscience Lab at the University of South Carolina. She is currently pursuing a degree in Biological Sciences and minoring in Spanish and Medical Humanities and Culture, with the hope of matriculating into medical school after graduation. Sarah's primary interest lies in improving speech and language outcomes in individuals with hearing loss. Within the lab, Sarah holds the position of Database Manager. Her responsibilities include creating case report forms using REDCap software, as well as overseeing the management, reporting, and analysis of participants' data. When she is not engaged in lab work or attending classes, Sarah enjoys going on hikes, discovering new coffee shops, and indulging in Netflix show marathons.

Reed Farrar is an undergraduate research assistant in the Translational Auditory Neuroscience Lab at the University of South Carolina. He is majoring in Neuroscience and is particularly interested in the afferent nervous system and the way it brings sensory information to the brain. This ties into the work he does in the lab where he is learning how the electrode-neuron interface impacts auditory, speech, and language outcomes in cochlear implant users. He is also learning about the operation and application of fNIRS neuroimaging technology. After completing his undergraduate degree, Reed plans to attend medical school as the next step in his journey toward becoming an ophthalmologist. Outside the academic aspects of his life, Reed enjoys running, weightlifting, and designing board games.

Tatiana Ramirez is an undergraduate research assistant currently working in the Translational Auditory Neuroscience Laboratory at the University of South Carolina. She is pursuing a degree in Neuroscience with a concentration in Cell and Molecular Neurobiology, reflecting her keen interest in the field. Tatiana is particularly interested in language development in children with cochlear implants and is actively involved in the analysis of language input experienced by children with cochlear implants. Her research is focused on investigating the early linguistic exposure of young children with cochlear implants in their home environments shortly after implantation. Beyond her academic pursuits, Tatiana enjoys hiking and spending time outdoors, upcycling clothes, and listening to podcasts in her spare time. Tatiana is looking forward to furthering her research of audiology and neuroscience.

Shaivee Fozdar is an undergraduate research assistant in the Translational Auditory Neuroscience Lab at the University of South Carolina. She is currently pursuing a degree in Public Health and is interested in providing medical solutions and innovations in medical problems such as improving spoken communication in listeners with hearing loss. In the lab, she is working on studying the effects of partially restored auditory feedback on speech production in cochlear implant listeners. Shaivee is enthusiastic about exploring speech outcomes with restored auditory feedback to assist individuals who use cochlear implants, as it offers improved hearing opportunities for them. In her spare time, Shaivee likes to binge-watch shows on Netflix, explore new cuisine, and likes painting and drawing.

Vrutti is an undergraduate research assistant in the Translational Auditory Neuroscience Lab at University Of South Carolina. She is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences. As a budding researcher, her interests lie in contributing to improving speech and language outcomes in individuals with hearing loss which has led her to gain experience in analyzing language input data from home environments of children with cochlear implants. She is excited to learn about the properties of early language environments to uncover the study of early language development in cochlear implants users. Looking to the future, she aspires to get into the field of medicine, and hope to make a positive impact in the community of healthcare. When she is not in the lab, she enjoys dancing as well as spending time with family and friends.