Robert D. Frisina, Ph.D. Associate Chairman for Research, Otolaryngology Department Professor of Otolaryngology, Biomedical Engineering, and Neurobiology & Anatomy, University of Rochester Professor of Communication Sciences, NTID, Rochester Institute of Technology Professor of Communicative Disorders and Sciences, SUNY at Buffalo Distinguished Researcher in Biological Sciences, Rochester Institute of Technology.

Graduated from Hamilton College; Obtained Ph.D. in Bioengineering/Neuroscience from the Institute for Sensory Research, Syracuse University; Completed Post-Doctoral Fellowship at the Center for Brain Research at the University of Rochester, School of Medicine & Dentistry.

Major Focus: Determination of Brain Mechanisms Responsible for Encoding of Speech and Complex Sounds in Young & Aged:

Facets of the Research Program:

1. Neurophysiological, Molecular, Genetic and Neuroanatomical Bases of Presbycusis. Multidisiplinary Program Project in collaboration with twelve other faculty at the University of Rochester, Departments of Neurobiology & Anatomy and Brain & Cognitive Sciences, and the National Technical Institute for the Deaf and Biological Sciences Department at the Rochester Institute of Technology.
2. Neurophysiological Encoding of Speech and Biologically Relevant Sound Features by the Auditory Nervous System, investigated using biomedical engineering techniques.
3. Functional Neuroanatomical Organization of the Central Auditory System, investigated with advanced neuroimaging techniques.
4. In collaboration with Dr. Howard Federoff. Director, Center for Aging & Developmental Biology, methods for gene vector delivery of trophic factors to the inner ear for protection and regeneration of inner ear sensory cells.

Phone: (585) 275-8130 Email: robert_frisina@urmc.rochester.edu