Our Alumni

	Dr Benjamin Wei, PhD Pneumococcal meningitis is an infection which can cause death or severe brain damage. In 2002 the US Federal Drug Administration found that people who received a cochlear implant with a particular kind of electrode had a greater risk of developing this disease. Dr Benjamin Wei, a specialist surgeon in Otolaryngology and head and neck surgery, undertook PhD studies, at the Bionics Institute and The University of Melbourne, to discover the cause of the increased risk. The studies confirmed the increased risk of meningitis is caused by the presence of an electrode array and the surgery to implant it. Immunising against Streptococcus pneumoniae, the bacterium that causes the infection, significantly lowers this risk. This was strong experimental support for what is now the standard clinical practice of immunising all cochlear implant patients. Implant design is also important and safer arrays, such as those from Cochlear Ltd, do not have a gap created by a surgical positioner, where the bacteria can grow. The Bionics Institute is embarking on research to develop new implantable devices such as our epilepsy treatment device and these findings can be used in future for assessing the risk of infection for any implantable device. Ben was awarded the 2008 Premier's Award for Medical Research for his achievements.
	Dr Daniel Taft, PhD Daniel completed his PhD at the institute in 2009. He developed a novel method of processing sound that more closely mimics the pattern of vibrations in the normal inner ear, known as travelling wave delays. Daniel assessed new software in trials with profoundly deaf implant recipients and found that speech perception is improved with this technique. Having designed hearing software and working directly with users, Daniel now develops new products for Blamey & Saunders Hearing an internet-based hearing aid company that uses evidence-based hearing technology and research.
	Dr Stefan Mauger, PhD Stefan's PhD studies completed at the institute were focused on development of the auditory brainstem implant. Specifically, characterising the brain's responses, at a single neuron level, to brainstem stimulation. This research suggested changes to the present auditory brainstem stimulation strategy which is hoped to improve speech perception. Since completing his PhD, Stefan has been working for Cochlear Limited improving the cochlear implant performance in noisy environments. Through noise reduction strategies we have been able to improve cochlear implant recipient’s ability to hear speech in noise significantly.
	Dr Carrie Newbold, PhD Carrie began working at the Bionics Institute (CRC HEAR) in 2001 after graduating with a degree in Medical Engineering. After spending a couple of years as a research assistant on electrode development and biosafety studies for cochlear implants, she started PhD studies with the Bionics Institute and the University of Melbourne. Her thesis was on the development and use of an in vitro model of the electrode-tissue interface. This model assessed the effects of proteins and cells on electrode impedance, as well as how electrical stimulation affects these factors. Following completion, Carrie moved to Cochlear Ltd in Sydney where her research work involved mid- to long-term electrode technologies. In this time, she also worked as Cochlear's Innovation Manager, developing, training and supporting the use of innovation tools and techniques for Cochlear employees. She returned to the University of Melbourne and the HEARing CRC in 2009, researching new ways to optimise the electro-neural interface.