Meet the Researcher

Emerging Research Grants (ERG)

As one of the leading funding sources available for innovative research, HHF’s ERG program is critical. Without our support, scientists would not have the needed resources for cutting-edge approaches toward understanding, preventing, and treating hearing and balance disorders.

Manoj Kumar, Ph.D.

University of Pittsburgh

Kumar received his doctorate in neuroscience and pharmacology from West Virginia University and completed his postdoctoral research in the department of otolaryngology at the University of Pittsburgh, where he is currently a research assistant professor. Kumar’s 2022 Emerging Research Grant is generously funded by the General Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons International.

the astonishing power of the brain to produce perceptions in the absence of external stimuli, like hallucinations or tinnitus, has always intrigued me. My study of the cortical mechanisms underlying sensory information processing is the direct result of that fascination. Investigating this complex phenomenon requires an understanding of neurobiological events at many levels, like the comprehension of neurotransmitter signaling mechanisms, figuring out the biophysical workings of ion channels, and mapping the processing of sensory information.

i am employing this multidisciplinary approach to uncover the cortical mechanisms of sound processing in both health and disease. Throughout my career, from undergrad right through to postdoc, I’ve sought more opportunities to better understand these processes. I hope I can always turn out good science. Moving forward, in five years, I hope to be writing my R01 renewal. In 10 years, my goal is to become a tenured professor.

i myself find it difficult to concentrate on conversations, especially in noisy environments. It has only made me realize how common hearing loss is, and emphasizes the importance of much-needed treatment options to cure or prevent hearing loss. a highlight of my career so far is that I developed RL_81, the most selective and potent KCNQ2/3 channel activator to prevent the development of tinnitus in mice. This is a huge leap forward in our understanding of hyperexcitability disorders, and one step closer to a cure for tinnitus.

I grew up playing cricket in India. Still a favorite pastime, I play in the Pittsburgh Cricket League every season. Another hobby is cooking, which I find very soothing. To me, cooking is like a lab experiment: If it is not thought through, it won’t come out well. I like to have the final picture of the dish in my head first, and plan out each step from there. My specialties are chicken curry and kheer, an Indian dessert.

the first flight I ever took was when I left India for the United States to attend graduate school. Now one of my goals is to travel the world with my wife. —Heather Chambers

Manoj Kumar, Ph.D., is generously funded by the General Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons International. We thank them for their support of studies that will increase our understanding of the mechanisms, causes, diagnosis, and treatments of central auditory processing disorders.

We need your help funding the exciting work of hearing and balance scientists. Please consider donating today to Hearing Health Foundation to support groundbreaking research. Visit hhf.org/how-to-help.

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE NOW

announcing a planned giving matching challenge

Ann Pruitt has named HHF in her estate plans.

Planned giving, also called estate or legacy giving, means a gift that your favorite charity receives upon your passing. It is a gift for the future.

A generous, anonymous donor has launched a challenge that will match your planned gift now. This enables Hearing Health Foundation to continue funding the life-changing science that benefits the millions of people who live with hearing and balance challenges.

Your planned gift will be matched when you make a bequest to HHF or name us as a partial beneficiary of a retirement fund or life insurance policy. Here’s how the matching challenge works:

» For any planned gift of up to $10,000,

HHF receives a match of $1,000.

» For any planned gift of $10,000 or more,

HHF receives a match of $10,000.

» For larger planned gifts,

HHF receives a match of $100,000.

Please email Harriet Hessam at hhessam@hhf.org to let us know about your planned gift or for more information.

You can make a difference NOW as well as in the FUTURE.

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