Team

Yi Shen

Yi Shen, Ph.D.

Bio: I am on faculty at the University of Washington. I have previously taught at Indiana University Bloomington. My background is in Applied Physics, Acoustic Engineering, Psychoacoustics, and Audiology. My research focuses on understanding the hearing-related communication difficulties experienced by older adults and exploring technological solutions.

Bertan Kursun, M.S.

Bio: I’m currently deep into my doctoral studies at the University of Washington’s Speech and Hearing Sciences Department, having started back in 2021. While it might seem a bit unconventional, my path here, through the worlds of Electrical and Acoustic Engineering, actually set a solid foundation for my current research. My research focuses on personalizing hearing aids to meet the unique needs of each individual. The idea that drives me is this incredible diversity in how we all hear and perceive the sounds around us. I’m working on customizing hearing aids to match the unique hearing profiles of each person.

Brianna Ralston, Au.D., CCC-A

Bio: I am a research and clinical audiologist at the University of Washington (UW). After graduating with my doctorate in audiology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, I worked clinically serving people of all ages (0-99+ years) with hearing differences. My specialties include pediatrics, cochlear implants, hearing aids and osseointegrative devices. My research focus is clinical translatable research in the areas of auditory development and aural rehabilitation.

Erik A. Petersen, Ph.D.

Bio: I am a third-year postdoc at the University of Washington. My background is in acoustical engineering and physics. I am currently working on efficient methods for electrophysiology measurements relating to hearing loss. When not in the lab, you may find me playing my viola, in the kitchen, or out in nature.

Bella Cunio

Bio: I am a fourth-year student at UW studying Speech & Hearing Sciences and Spanish. I have worked with AHSLAB in management and data collection since Spring 2023, with experience ranging from hearing evaluations to Auditory Brainstem Response testing. When not in the lab, you can find me performing improv comedy and musical theater with campus drama groups.

Iris Choe

Bio: I am a third-year student at the University of Washington studying Speech and Hearing Sciences. I intend to become an audiologist, but I am still exploring which specialization I want to pursue. I am currently working in lab management and data entry at AHSLAB. If I am not in the lab, you can most likely spot me in a dance class, coffee shop, or at a farmer’s market.