Senior Investigators

Hubert H. Lim
[email protected]

hlim

Hubert H. Lim is a Professor in the Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Minnesota and was hired as an Institute for Translational Neuroscience Scholar. He is also the Endowed Lions Professor in Otolaryngology and Co-Director for the Center for Neural Engineering. He completed a BSE in Bioengineering at the University of California San Diego, followed by MSEs in Biomedical Engineering and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and then a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Michigan. At the University of Minnesota, his lab’s research focuses on neural engineering, neuromodulation technologies, sensory neuroscience, neural plasticity, neuro-immune physiology, and integrative health approaches with the aim of developing new stimulation treatments for hearing disorders, pain, and inflammatory conditions in collaboration with multiple clinicians and companies. Dr. Lim has been awarded the Peter and Patricia Gruber International Research Award in Neuroscience from the Society for Neuroscience, the Institute for Engineering in Medicine Faculty Career Development Award, and the Institute for Engineering in Medicine Outstanding Service Award. Outside his academic activities, he is currently involved with two start-up companies, serving as the Chief Scientific Officer of Neuromod Devices, developing a tinnitus treatment device, and as the Chief Scientific Officer of SecondWave Systems, developing a wearable phased-array ultrasound device for various health conditions.


Daniel Zachs
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DZ
Daniel Zachs holds a MS in Biomedical Engineering from University of Connecticut. He is the TESS Lab Clinical Research Director at the University of Minnesota and is investigating stimulation methods of the peripheral nervous system and end-organs. His research involves translating neuromodulation techniques performed in various animal models into human disease applications. Daniel's research is focused on the modulation of the interface between the immune system and the nervous system, including vagus nerve stimulation and ultrasound stimulation of the spleen. He is currently managing clinical trials in collaboration with research physicians at the University of Minnesota Medical School, including Dr. Erik Peterson in the Center for Immunology and Dr. Farha Ikramuddin in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, as well as the REVEAL vagus nerve stimulation study, an international research collaboration led by investigators at the University of Minnesota. 

Lei Feng
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Lei Feng

Lei Feng is an assistant professor in the Department of Otolaryngology at the University of Minnesota School of Medicine, specializing in auditory neurophysiology, cognition and perception. She graduated with a BS (2005) and MS (2007) in Biomedical Engineering from Tsinghua University in China. She completed her Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from Johns Hopkins University. Her doctoral work under Dr. Xiaoqin Wang explored neural coding of complex sounds in the auditory cortex of primates. Her postdoctoral research with Dr. Andrew Oxenham at the University of Minnesota examined speech perception in cochlear implant users and normal-hearing listeners through behavioral and physiological measurements. Dr. Feng’s work aims to improve auditory prostheses and rehabilitation strategies, bridging engineering, neuroscience, and clinical practice.


Molly Sturges
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Molly Sturges

Molly Sturges is a senior researcher & integrative healing practitioner who works at the intersection of integrative health, music, science, and community engagement. An active practitioner in multiple integrative health modalities, researcher in ethnomusic therapy, and whole person health coach, Molly is faculty with The Center for Spirituality at The University of Minnesota as well as George Washington's Center for Excellence in Public Leadership Coaching faculty. Molly is also currently an artist-in-residence with The UMN School of Music and is a working healing-centered composer, educator, activist and depth facilitator who has worked with communities around the globe including hospices, nursing homes, neuroscience teams, veteran support centers, detention centers, faith communities and more. A United States Artist Fellow in Music, Molly holds an MA in Music Composition from Wesleyan University. To learn more about Molly visit www.mollysturges.com.