{"id":16,"date":"2023-11-01T14:42:39","date_gmt":"2023-11-01T18:42:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/?page_id=16"},"modified":"2026-03-11T10:15:13","modified_gmt":"2026-03-11T14:15:13","slug":"team","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/team\/","title":{"rendered":"Meet Our Team"},"content":{"rendered":"<h1 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #24243a;\">Faculty<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n<style><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><br \/>        .image-content {<br \/>            float: right; \/* Align the image to the right *\/<br \/>            margin-left: 40px; \/* Add some space between the text and the image *\/<br \/>        }<br \/>    <\/style>\n<h2><strong>Gintas Krisciunas, PhD, MPH, MA<\/strong><\/h2>\n<div class=\"image-content\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/oto-coati\/files\/2024\/05\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Krisciunas-2.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" class=\"alignright wp-image-230\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2024\/05\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Krisciunas-2.png 540w, https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2024\/05\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Krisciunas-2-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2024\/05\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Krisciunas-2-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2024\/05\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Krisciunas-2-100x100.png 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/div>\n<h3>Research Assistant Professor<\/h3>\n<h3>Director of the OTO-COATI Lab<\/h3>\n<h4><a href=\"mailto:gintas@bu.edu\">gintas@bu.edu<\/a><\/h4>\n<p><span>Dr. Krisciunas&#8217;s work is broadly focused on enhancing and measuring otolaryngology related clinical outcomes through collaborative, interdisciplinary, and often multi-institutional research.\u00a0 His research program consists of three focus areas: 1) treatment efficacy &amp; outcomes, 2) assessment \/ measurement, and 3) technological innovation.\u00a0 These focus areas represent a multi-pronged approach aimed at enhancing clinical care within the field of otolaryngology.\u00a0 During his tenure, Dr. Krisciunas has served as a PI, Co-I, or project manager on a number of NIH, PCORI, industry, and internally funded clinical research projects, and he is an active member of the BUMC IRB.\u00a0 Outside of work, he serves on an advisory board at Freedom House, Inc. (a historic education &amp; social justice non-profit), enjoys traveling, being outdoors, and most importantly spending time with his family.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<style><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><br \/>        .image-content {<br \/>            float: left; \/* Align the image to the left *\/<br \/>            margin-right: 40px; \/* Add some space between the text and the image *\/<br \/>        }<br \/>    <\/style>\n<h2 class=\"name\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Gregory A. Grillone, MD<\/strong><\/h2>\n<div class=\"image-content\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/oto-coati\/files\/2024\/05\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Grillone.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" class=\"alignright wp-image-229\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2024\/05\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Grillone.png 540w, https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2024\/05\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Grillone-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2024\/05\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Grillone-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2024\/05\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Grillone-100x100.png 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/div>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\">M. Stuart Strong and Charles W. Vaughan Professor and Chair,<\/h3>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\">Otolaryngology &#8211; Head &amp; Neck Surgery<\/h3>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: left;\"><a href=\"mailto:gregory.grillone@bmc.org\">gregory.grillone@bmc.org<\/a><\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span class=\"OYPEnA text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\"><span>Dr. Grillone originally joined Boston University and Boston Medical Center as a resident in 1988. Having served the institutions as an accomplished leader, a highly skilled clinician and a mentor to many medical students, residents and fellows, Dr. Grillone<\/span>\u00a0is now the institutions&#8217; <span>Otolaryngologist-in-Chief. His areas of clinical expertise include laryngology and surgery of the upper aerodigestive tract, sleep surgery, laser surgery and head and neck cancer surgery. Dr. Grillone is the principal investigator of the lab&#8217;s studies related to\u00a0early detection of head and neck cancer and margin guidance in head and neck tumor surgery using spectroscopy.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span class=\"OYPEnA text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\"><span><span class=\"read-more__more\" hidden=\"\">and head and neck cancer surgery.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<style><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><br \/>        .image-content {<br \/>            float: right; \/* Align the image to the right *\/<br \/>            margin-left: 40px; \/* Add some space between the text and the image *\/<br \/>        }<br \/>    <\/style>\n<h2 class=\"title h1\"><strong>Lauren F. Tracy, MD<\/strong><\/h2>\n<div class=\"image-content\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/oto-coati\/files\/2024\/05\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Tracy-L.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" class=\"alignright wp-image-228\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2024\/05\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Tracy-L.png 540w, https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2024\/05\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Tracy-L-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2024\/05\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Tracy-L-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2024\/05\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Tracy-L-100x100.png 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/div>\n<h3><span>Assistant Professor<\/span><\/h3>\n<h4><a href=\"mailto:lauren.tracy@bmc.org\">lauren.tracy@bmc.org<\/a><\/h4>\n<p><span>Dr. Tracy is an otolaryngologist at Boston Medical Center, specializing in voice, breathing, and swallowing concerns. Dr. Tracy received her medical degree from Tufts University School of Medicine. She then completed her residency at the University of North Carolina Hospitals and her fellowship in laryngeal surgery with Dr. Steven Zeitels at Massachusetts General Hospital. Dr. Tracy has research interests in diversity and health equity within laryngology and voice care, vocal hyperfunction, and recurrent respiratory papillomatosis. Dr. Tracy is the principal investigator of the lab&#8217;s studies related to ambulatory biofeedback for voice disorders.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<style><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><br \/>        .image-content {<br \/>            float: right; \/* Align the image to the right *\/<br \/>            margin-left: 40px; \/* Add some space between the text and the image *\/<br \/>        }<br \/>    <\/style>\n<h2 class=\"title h1\"><strong>Anand K. Devaiah, MD<\/strong><\/h2>\n<div class=\"image-content\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/oto-coati\/files\/2026\/02\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Anand.png\" alt=\"Anand Devaiah\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" class=\"alignright wp-image-664\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2026\/02\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Anand.png 540w, https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2026\/02\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Anand-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2026\/02\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Anand-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2026\/02\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Anand-100x100.png 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/div>\n<h3><span>Professor<\/span><\/h3>\n<h4><a href=\"mailto:anand.devaiah@bmc.org\"><span data-markjs=\"true\" class=\"mark5fvox08in\" data-ogac=\"\" data-ogab=\"\" data-ogsc=\"\" data-ogsb=\"\" data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">anand<\/span><span>.devaiah@bmc.org<\/span><\/a><\/h4>\n<p><span>Dr. Devaiah is an otolaryngologist at Boston Medical Center and a member of the BU-BMC Cancer Center. Dr. Devaiah is also a professor of neurosurgery and ophthalmology at Boston University Chobanian &amp; Avedisian School of Medicine. He received his medical degree from University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine and has been practicing at BMC since 2002. Dr. Devaiah specializes in endoscopic minimally invasive skull base surgery, otologic\/vestibular disorders, lateral skull base diseases and tumors, anterior skull base tumors\/paranasal sinus diseases, head and neck surgery, head and neck cancer, and general otolaryngology. Dr. Devaiah is the principal investigator of the lab&#8217;s study investigating the potential of artificial intelligence to identify patients at risk for Alzheimer&#8217;s disease using voice recordings. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span><span class=\"read-more__more\" hidden=\"\">School of Medicine. Her research focuses on glottic carcinoma, airway reconstructive surgery, and voice outcomes.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h1 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #24243a;\">Staff<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n<style><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><br \/>        .image-content {<br \/>            float: left; \/* Align the image to the left *\/<br \/>            margin-right: 40px; \/* Add some space between the text and the image *\/<br \/>        }<br \/>    <\/style>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Lucas Berry, BS CCRP<\/strong><\/h2>\n<div class=\"image-content\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/oto-coati\/files\/2024\/03\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Berry.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" class=\"alignright wp-image-95\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2024\/03\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Berry.png 540w, https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2024\/03\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Berry-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2024\/03\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Berry-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2024\/03\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Berry-100x100.png 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/div>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\">Research Specialist II<\/h3>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: left;\"><a href=\"mailto:lucas.berry@bmc.org\">lucas.berry@bmc.org<\/a><\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span class=\"OYPEnA text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">Lucas joined the lab as an undergraduate student in Fall 2020 while earning a BS degree in human physiology from Boston University. After graduating the following May, Lucas transitioned to a full-time role coordinating the lab&#8217;s spectroscopy studies. He eventually contributed to many of the lab&#8217;s ongoing studies in addition to training new lab staff and students. Lucas has since moved to a remote role where he supports ongoing research in the lab and department of otolaryngology. Outside of the lab, Lucas is a guitarist, record producer, and proud cat dad.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<style><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><br \/>        .image-content {<br \/>            float: left; \/* Align the image to the left *\/<br \/>            margin-right: 40px; \/* Add some space between the text and the image *\/<br \/>        }<br \/>    <\/style>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Devin Lucas, MS<\/strong><\/h2>\n<div class=\"image-content\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/oto-coati\/files\/2024\/10\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Devin-Lucas.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" class=\"alignright wp-image-387\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2024\/10\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Devin-Lucas.png 540w, https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2024\/10\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Devin-Lucas-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2024\/10\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Devin-Lucas-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2024\/10\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Devin-Lucas-100x100.png 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/div>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\">Clinical Research Coordinator<\/h3>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: left;\"><a href=\"mailto:devin.lucas@bmc.org\">devin.lucas@bmc.org<\/a><\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Devin joined the lab in September of 2023 to coordinate the lab&#8217;s acute respiratory failure studies at Boston Medical Center and spectroscopy study at Tufts Medical Center. Originally from Williamsburg, Virginia, Devin received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry and Spanish from University of Virginia, followed by a Master of Biomedical Sciences degree from Tufts University School of Medicine. Devin plans to continue her involvement in clinical research and eventually pursue medicine. When Devin isn&#8217;t rushing between hospital rooms to coordinate the lab&#8217;s studies, she enjoys running, baking, drawing, and taking her dog on adventures.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<style><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><br \/>        .image-content {<br \/>            float: left; \/* Align the image to the left *\/<br \/>            margin-right: 40px; \/* Add some space between the text and the image *\/<br \/>        }<br \/>    <\/style>\n<h2><strong>Morgan Raskin, MS\u00a0CCC-SLP<\/strong><\/h2>\n<div class=\"image-content\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/oto-coati\/files\/2025\/08\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Morgan-1.png\" alt=\"Morgan Raskin\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" class=\"alignright wp-image-552\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2025\/08\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Morgan-1.png 540w, https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2025\/08\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Morgan-1-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2025\/08\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Morgan-1-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2025\/08\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Morgan-1-100x100.png 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/div>\n<h3>Clinical Research Coordinator<\/h3>\n<h3>Research Speech-Language Pathologist<\/h3>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: left;\"><a href=\"mailto:morgan.raskin@bmc.org\"><span>morgan.raskin@bmc.org<\/span><\/a><\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span>Morgan joined the lab in July 2025 while working towards a PhD at the MGH Institute of Health Professions. Before completing a clinical fellowship in speech-language pathology at an acute care hospital in ICU, acute, and outpatient settings in South Florida, Morgan\u00a0earned BS and MS degrees in Communication Science and Disorders from Florida State University. She is currently a clinical research coordinator and research speech-language pathologist, working on two interconnected P50 studies on vocal hyperfunction. She plans to earn her PhD and contribute to voice research in academia. Outside of research, Morgan enjoys playing French Horn, gardening, sewing, and playing pickleball!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<style><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><br \/>        .image-content {<br \/>            float: left; \/* Align the image to the left *\/<br \/>            margin-right: 40px; \/* Add some space between the text and the image *\/<br \/>        }<br \/>    <\/style>\n<h2><strong>Anna Jacobson, BS<\/strong><\/h2>\n<div class=\"image-content\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/oto-coati\/files\/2026\/03\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Anna.png\" alt=\"Anna Jacobson\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" class=\"alignright wp-image-685\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2026\/03\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Anna.png 540w, https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2026\/03\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Anna-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2026\/03\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Anna-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2026\/03\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Anna-100x100.png 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/div>\n<h3>Research Assistant<\/h3>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: left;\"><a href=\"mailto:anna.jacobson@bmc.org\">anna.jacobson@bmc.org<\/a><\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">Anna joined the OTO-COATI Lab as a research assistant in March 2026. In the lab, she investigates how subtle patterns in speech may reveal the earliest signs of Alzheimer\u2019s disease and related dementias, focusing on temporal, spectral, and voice quality features as potential digital biomarkers of cognitive impairment. She earned her B.S. in Biology from Brandeis University in 2025, gaining hands-on experience in physiology labs studying muscle function and biomechanics while preparing for a career in medicine. Outside the lab, Anna enjoys dancing, reading historical fiction, and playing chess.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h1 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #24243a;\">Students &amp; Fellows<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n<style><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span>\ufeff<\/span><br \/>        .image-content {<br \/>            float: right; \/* Align the image to the right *\/<br \/>            margin-left: 40px; \/* Add some space between the text and the image *\/<br \/>        }<br \/>    <\/style>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Arpita Edke, BS<\/strong><\/h2>\n<div class=\"image-content\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/oto-coati\/files\/2024\/05\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Edke-1.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" class=\"alignright wp-image-237\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2024\/05\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Edke-1.png 540w, https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2024\/05\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Edke-1-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2024\/05\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Edke-1-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2024\/05\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Edke-1-100x100.png 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/div>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span>Medical Student<\/span><\/h3>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: left;\"><a href=\"mailto:arpita.edke@bmc.org\">arpita.edke@bmc.org<\/a><\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Arpita joined the lab in February 2022 as a Boston University undergraduate student earning her Bachelor of Science degree in human physiology. She&#8217;s contributed to several of the lab&#8217;s projects, including as a retrospective data collector and a study coordinator for the lab&#8217;s studies related to dysphagia outcomes and assessment. After completing her undergraduate degree in May 2023, Arpita was accepted into Georgetown University School of Medicine&#8217;s Class of 2028. She plans to<span>\u00a0eventually focus on cardiac surgery and global health. Outside of research, Arpita enjoys literature, particularly John Donne and Shakespeare, as well as dancing; she&#8217;s been trained in Kathak and Bollywood. She also spends time with her many pets, including a dog, turtles, fish, and parakeets!<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<style><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><br \/>        .image-content {<br \/>            float: left; \/* Align the image to the left *\/<br \/>            margin-right: 40px; \/* Add some space between the text and the image *\/<br \/>        }<br \/>    <\/style>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Mitali Sakharkar, BA<\/strong><\/h2>\n<div class=\"image-content\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/oto-coati\/files\/2024\/03\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Mitali-1.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" class=\"alignright wp-image-104\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2024\/03\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Mitali-1.png 540w, https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2024\/03\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Mitali-1-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2024\/03\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Mitali-1-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2024\/03\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Mitali-1-100x100.png 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/div>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\">Medical Student<\/h3>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: left;\"><a href=\"mailto:mitali.sakharkar@bmc.org\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">mitali.sakharkar@bmc.org<\/a><\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span class=\"OYPEnA text-decoration-none text-strikethrough-none\">Boston University Chobanian &amp; Avedisian School of Medicine student Mitali <span>Sakharkar joined the lab after forming the goal to be an otolaryngologist. Bringing experience working with innovative technology, Mitali was a welcome addition to the team studying spectroscopy for in-clinic monitoring of patients with abnormal laryngeal tissue. Mitali also contributes to the lab&#8217;s investigation of outcomes of patients who experience post-extubation lymphedema and dysphagia. Being a truly terrific Terrier, Mitali completed her undergraduate degree at Boston University in 2023. She&#8217;s also known as an amateur pilot, cellist, and baker of a mean iced lemon pound cake! Please feel welcome to reach out to Mitali, as she&#8217;s a big proponent of mentorship and education in the medical field, and she loves to give back.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<style><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><br \/>        .image-content {<br \/>            float: right; \/* Align the image to the right *\/<br \/>            margin-left: 40px; \/* Add some space between the text and the image *\/<br \/>        }<br \/>    <\/style>\n<h2><strong>Gabriele Spokas, BS<\/strong><\/h2>\n<div class=\"image-content\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/oto-coati\/files\/2024\/05\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Spokas.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" class=\"alignright wp-image-233\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2024\/05\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Spokas.png 540w, https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2024\/05\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Spokas-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2024\/05\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Spokas-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2024\/05\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Spokas-100x100.png 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/div>\n<h3>Graduate Student<\/h3>\n<h4><a href=\"mailto:gabriele.spokas@bmc.org\">gabriele.spokas@bmc.org<\/a><\/h4>\n<p>Gabriele joined the lab in June of 2023 as a research specialist. For two years, she was the lead coordinator of the lab&#8217;s spectroscopy studies in addition to helping out with studies related to acute respiratory failure. Gabriele is now pursuing an MHA at the UNC Gillings School of Public Health while continuing to contribute to research at the OTO-COATI Lab. Gabriele&#8217;s research interests include head and neck cancer outcomes and healthcare professional quality of life. Prior to joining the lab, Gabriele, a Pittsburgh native, received her <span>Bachelor of Science degree in Rehabilitation Science from University of Pittsburgh and gained experience as a clinical research assistant at Boston University&#8217;s Framingham Heart Study. \u00a0Gabriele is very passionate about mental health as well as the the intersection between urban issues, public health, and languages. Outside of research, Gabriele loves to travel, go to concerts, attend comedy shows, and pick up new hobbies like pottery and thrifting.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<style><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span>\ufeff<\/span><br \/>        .image-content {<br \/>            float: right; \/* Align the image to the right *\/<br \/>            margin-left: 40px; \/* Add some space between the text and the image *\/<br \/>        }<br \/>    <\/style>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Winston Liu<\/strong><\/h2>\n<div class=\"image-content\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/oto-coati\/files\/2024\/05\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Liu.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" class=\"alignright wp-image-231\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2024\/05\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Liu.png 540w, https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2024\/05\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Liu-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2024\/05\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Liu-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2024\/05\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Liu-100x100.png 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/div>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span>Undergraduate Student<\/span><\/h3>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: left;\"><a href=\"mailto:winston.liu@bmc.org\">winston.liu@bmc.org<\/a><\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Winston is a pre-medical undergraduate student studying biomedical engineering at Boston University. He joined the lab in autumn of 2023 and has leveraged his background in engineering to contribute computational methodologies to the lab&#8217;s studies on dysphagia outcomes and assessment. Winston was recently accepted into Boston University&#8217;s <span>Modular Medical\/Dental Integrated Curriculum (MMEDIC) program, granting him early acceptance to the Chobanian &amp; Avedisian School of Medicine&#8217;s Class of 2030.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<style><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span>\ufeff<\/span><br \/>        .image-content {<br \/>            float: right; \/* Align the image to the right *\/<br \/>            margin-left: 40px; \/* Add some space between the text and the image *\/<br \/>        }<br \/>    <\/style>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Lalita Sabat, BS<\/strong><\/h2>\n<div class=\"image-content\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/oto-coati\/files\/2024\/08\/SabatL_bio_photo.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" class=\"alignright wp-image-376\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2024\/08\/SabatL_bio_photo.png 540w, https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2024\/08\/SabatL_bio_photo-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2024\/08\/SabatL_bio_photo-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2024\/08\/SabatL_bio_photo-100x100.png 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/div>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span>Medical Student<\/span><\/h3>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: left;\"><a href=\"mailto:lalita.sabat@bmc.org\">lalita.sabat@bmc.org<\/a><\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span>Lalita Sabat joined the lab in July 2024 as a research fellow. Having completed her research fellowship in June 2025, Lalita continues to contribute to OTO-COATI Lab research while pursuing the study of medicine at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). Prior to joining the lab, Lalita graduated from VCU with a major in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. Her exposure to research began in high school as an intern at Diadem Biotherapeutics. There, she explored innovative drug delivery methods using exosomes, focusing on anti-inflammatory proteins for treating inflammatory diseases and AIDS. While an undergraduate student at VCU, she developed her research skills in the Department of Biology&#8217;s Walsh Lab, investigating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and motor neuron degeneration in zebrafish models. Now, Lalita is excited to conduct clinical research at Boston University and Boston Medical Center, applying her diverse scientific background to new challenges in otolaryngology.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<style><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span>\ufeff<\/span><br \/>        .image-content {<br \/>            float: right; \/* Align the image to the right *\/<br \/>            margin-left: 40px; \/* Add some space between the text and the image *\/<br \/>        }<br \/>    <\/style>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Veronica Han, BS<\/strong><\/h2>\n<div class=\"image-content\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/oto-coati\/files\/2024\/11\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Veronica-Han.png\" alt=\"Veronica Han bio photo\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" class=\"alignright wp-image-412\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2024\/11\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Veronica-Han.png 540w, https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2024\/11\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Veronica-Han-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2024\/11\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Veronica-Han-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2024\/11\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Veronica-Han-100x100.png 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/div>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span>Medical Student<\/span><\/h3>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: left;\"><a href=\"mailto:vhan2@bu.edu\">vhan2@bu.edu<\/a><\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Veronica is a medical student from Miami, Florida who joined the lab in October of 2024. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at Duke University in 2022. She is currently contributing to the variation in care project related to dysphagia outcomes and assessment. She plans to pursue otolaryngology as a resident after medical school. Outside of research, Veronica enjoys working with clay, singing, and fishing in her free time.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<style><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span>\ufeff<\/span><br \/>        .image-content {<br \/>            float: right; \/* Align the image to the right *\/<br \/>            margin-left: 40px; \/* Add some space between the text and the image *\/<br \/>        }<br \/>    <\/style>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Varun Gopal, BS<\/strong><\/h2>\n<div class=\"image-content\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/oto-coati\/files\/2025\/10\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Varun.png\" alt=\"Varun Gopal\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" class=\"alignright wp-image-607\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2025\/10\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Varun.png 540w, https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2025\/10\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Varun-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2025\/10\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Varun-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2025\/10\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Varun-100x100.png 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/div>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span>Medical Student<\/span><\/h3>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: left;\"><a href=\"mailto:gopal6@illinois.edu\">gopal6@illinois.edu<\/a><\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">Varun is a second-year medical student at the Carle Illinois College of Medicine, originally from outside Boston. He received his bachelor&#8217;s degree in biomedical engineering with a minor in Math from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst in May 2024. Varun is an aspiring otolaryngologist interested in surgical care access and healthcare innovation. Varun is especially interested in airway disease, pediatric otolaryngology, and the intersection of technology and medicine especially to reduce healthcare costs. In Varun&#8217;s free time, he likes to play video games, produce music, and work out.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<style><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span>\ufeff<\/span><br \/>        .image-content {<br \/>            float: right; \/* Align the image to the right *\/<br \/>            margin-left: 40px; \/* Add some space between the text and the image *\/<br \/>        }<br \/>    <\/style>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Nikhita Santebennur, BA<\/strong><\/h2>\n<div class=\"image-content\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/oto-coati\/files\/2025\/07\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Nikhita.png\" alt=\"Nikhita Santebennur\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" class=\"alignright wp-image-542\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2025\/07\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Nikhita.png 540w, https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2025\/07\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Nikhita-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2025\/07\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Nikhita-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2025\/07\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Nikhita-100x100.png 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/div>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span>Medical Student<\/span><\/h3>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: left;\"><a href=\"mailto:nsant@bu.edu\">nsant@bu.edu<\/a><\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span>Originally from Milwaukee, WI, Nikhita is a fourth-year medical student at Boston University, where she also earned her BA in Medical Science and minored in Spanish. She joined the lab in the summer of 2025 as the lead coordinator for the lab&#8217;s spectroscopy studies, leading pilot research in oral cancer screening and deep margin analysis. As an aspiring otolaryngologist, Nikhita is especially passionate about the intersection of public health and patient outcomes in head and neck cancer. Her broader research interests include global surgical care, pediatric ear and hearing health, and addressing socioeconomic barriers in access to care. Outside of medicine, she enjoys camping in the mountains, watercolor painting, biking, thrifting, and adventuring anywhere and everywhere!<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<style><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span>\ufeff<\/span><br \/>        .image-content {<br \/>            float: right; \/* Align the image to the right *\/<br \/>            margin-left: 40px; \/* Add some space between the text and the image *\/<br \/>        }<br \/>    <\/style>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Shivani Patel, BA<\/strong><\/h2>\n<div class=\"image-content\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/oto-coati\/files\/2025\/08\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Shivani-Patel.png\" alt=\"Shivani Patel\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" class=\"alignright wp-image-565\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2025\/08\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Shivani-Patel.png 540w, https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2025\/08\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Shivani-Patel-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2025\/08\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Shivani-Patel-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2025\/08\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Shivani-Patel-100x100.png 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/div>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span>Medical Student<\/span><\/h3>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: left;\"><a href=\"mailto:shivani3@bu.edu\">shivani3@bu.edu<\/a><\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Shivani is a second-year medical student at Boston University who joined the OTO-COATI Lab in August 2025. Originally from Hillsborough, New Jersey, she graduated from Boston University with a BA in Medical Sciences and a minor in Public Health. She is currently contributing to the lab\u2019s spectroscopy studies in oral cancer screening. Shivani is passionate about the intersection of otolaryngology and environmental health, particularly how exposures such as air and sound pollution impact airway and hearing health. Outside of medicine, she is an avid matcha fan, enjoys exploring new cities, playing volleyball, and spending time with her Shih Tzu, Simba.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<style><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span>\ufeff<\/span><br \/>        .image-content {<br \/>            float: right; \/* Align the image to the right *\/<br \/>            margin-left: 40px; \/* Add some space between the text and the image *\/<br \/>        }<br \/>    <\/style>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Sarah Chang, MS<\/strong><\/h2>\n<div class=\"image-content\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/oto-coati\/files\/2025\/10\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Sarah-Chang.png\" alt=\"Sarah Chang\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" class=\"alignright wp-image-610\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2025\/10\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Sarah-Chang.png 540w, https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2025\/10\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Sarah-Chang-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2025\/10\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Sarah-Chang-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2025\/10\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Sarah-Chang-100x100.png 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/div>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span>Medical Student<\/span><\/h3>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: left;\"><a href=\"mailto:sarang@bu.edu\">sarang@bu.edu<\/a><\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Sarah Chang joined the OTO-COATI Lab as a medical student in August 2025. She hails from San Ramon, California, and earned a Bachelor of Science in Neurobiology from the University of California, Davis in 2019, followed by a Master of Science in Medical Sciences from Boston University in 2023. Sarah currently contributes to research on spectroscopy for oral cancer screening and plans to apply for an otolaryngology residency. Her academic interests include medical education, mentorship, and anatomy\/ultrasound. Outside the lab, Sarah enjoys spending time with her grey tabby cat Tuna, playing PC games, boxing, and completing escape rooms with friends \u2014 having successfully escaped from over 20 rooms, she has only failed once.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<style><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span>\ufeff<\/span><br \/>        .image-content {<br \/>            float: right; \/* Align the image to the right *\/<br \/>            margin-left: 40px; \/* Add some space between the text and the image *\/<br \/>        }<br \/>    <\/style>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Ruby Nguyen, BA, BS<\/strong><\/h2>\n<div class=\"image-content\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/oto-coati\/files\/2025\/09\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Ruby-Nguyen.png\" alt=\"Ruby Nguyen\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" class=\"alignright wp-image-581\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2025\/09\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Ruby-Nguyen.png 540w, https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2025\/09\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Ruby-Nguyen-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2025\/09\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Ruby-Nguyen-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2025\/09\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Ruby-Nguyen-100x100.png 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/div>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span>Medical Student<\/span><\/h3>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: left;\"><a href=\"mailto:runguyen@bu.edu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">runguyen@bu.edu<\/a><\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Ruby Nguyen, BA, BS, joined the OTO-COATI Lab as a medical student in August 2025. Originally from Los Angeles, California, Ruby earned dual degrees from the University of California, Davis in 2019: a Bachelor of Arts in Music (Composition Track) and a Bachelor of Science in Neurobiology, Physiology, &amp; Behavior. Prior to joining the lab, he conducted research on music cognition at UC Davis\u2019s Janata Lab, exploring sensorimotor synchronization, rhythm, and groove perception. He also studied gender and sexuality in high-profile Hollywood careers through the Department of Sociology. Currently, Ruby contributes to the lab\u2019s work on head and neck cancer clinical outcomes as he pursues a career in otolaryngology. Outside of research, he enjoys live music, food, travel, and playing video games.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<style><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span>\ufeff<\/span><br \/>        .image-content {<br \/>            float: right; \/* Align the image to the right *\/<br \/>            margin-left: 40px; \/<span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span>* Add some space between the text and the image *\/<br \/>        }<br \/>    <\/style>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Yusuf Chaudhry<\/strong><\/h2>\n<div class=\"image-content\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/oto-coati\/files\/2025\/09\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Yusuf-Chaudhry.png\" alt=\"Yusuf Chaudhry\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" class=\"alignright wp-image-582\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2025\/09\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Yusuf-Chaudhry.png 540w, https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2025\/09\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Yusuf-Chaudhry-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2025\/09\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Yusuf-Chaudhry-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2025\/09\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Yusuf-Chaudhry-100x100.png 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/div>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span>Undergraduate Student<\/span><\/h3>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: left;\"><a href=\"mailto:yusufch@bu.edu\">yusufch@bu.edu<\/a><\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Originally from the Chicago suburbs, Yusuf is an undergraduate student majoring in Neuroscience and minoring in Chemistry at Boston University. Yusuf hopes to someday become a physician, one that aims to connect clinical innovation with patient care. Outside of school, Yusuf enjoys lifting, playing soccer, traveling, and trying new foods\u2014he&#8217;s always up for exploring different cuisines. A fun fact about Yusuf is that he speaks five languages, even if some may be very similar to each other.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<style><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span>\ufeff<\/span><br \/>        .image-content {<br \/>            float: right; \/* Align the image to the right *\/<br \/>            margin-left: 40px; \/<span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span>* Add some space between the text and the image *\/<br \/>        }<br \/>    <\/style>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Kamel Moufarrej, BA<\/strong><\/h2>\n<div class=\"image-content\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/oto-coati\/files\/2025\/10\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Kamel.png\" alt=\"Kamel Moufarrej\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" class=\"alignright wp-image-617\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2025\/10\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Kamel.png 540w, https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2025\/10\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Kamel-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2025\/10\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Kamel-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2025\/10\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Kamel-100x100.png 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/div>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span>Medical Student<\/span><\/h3>\n<h4><a href=\"mailto:kamelm@bu.edu\">kamelm@bu.edu<\/a><\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Kamel Moufarrej joined the OTO-COATI Lab in September 2025 as a first year Boston University medical student. Originally from Lebanon and Abu Dhabi, Kamel graduated from Boston University with a BA in Biology and a minor in Human Physiology. He is currently contributing to the lab&#8217;s work on head and neck cancer clinical outcomes and plans to pursue otolaryngology after medical school. Kamel&#8217;s research interests include exploring how various social and environmental factors impact patient outcomes in otolaryngology. In his free time, he enjoys adventuring, food, working out, and playing volleyball.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<style><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span>\ufeff<\/span><br \/>        .image-content {<br \/>            float: right; \/* Align the image to the right *\/<br \/>            margin-left: 40px; \/<span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span>* Add some space between the text and the image *\/<br \/>        }<br \/>    <\/style>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Akshay Vasudevan, BA<\/strong><\/h2>\n<div class=\"image-content\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/oto-coati\/files\/2025\/11\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Akshay-Vasudevan.png\" alt=\"Akshay Vasudevan\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" class=\"alignright wp-image-639\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2025\/11\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Akshay-Vasudevan.png 540w, https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2025\/11\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Akshay-Vasudevan-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2025\/11\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Akshay-Vasudevan-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2025\/11\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Akshay-Vasudevan-100x100.png 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/div>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span>Medical Student<\/span><\/h3>\n<h4><a href=\"mailto:akvasude@bu.edu\">akvasude@bu.edu<\/a><\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Akshay joined the OTO-COATI Lab as a first year Boston University medical student in September 2025. Originally from Dallas, Texas, Akshay completed his Bachelor of Arts in Medical Sciences with a minor in Psychology at Boston University. He is involved in the lab&#8217;s research on spectroscopy for oral cancer screening and plans to pursue a career in otolaryngology after graduation. Outside of academics, Akshay enjoys traveling, playing golf, exploring new foods, listening to music, watching Formula 1, and spending time with his family, friends, and dog.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<style><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span>\ufeff<\/span><br \/>        .image-content {<br \/>            float: right; \/* Align the image to the right *\/<br \/>            margin-left: 40px; \/<span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span>* Add some space between the text and the image *\/<br \/>        }<br \/>    <\/style>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Chloe Spears<\/strong><\/h2>\n<div class=\"image-content\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/oto-coati\/files\/2026\/01\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Chloe-Spears.png\" alt=\"Chloe Spears\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" class=\"alignright wp-image-659\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2026\/01\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Chloe-Spears.png 540w, https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2026\/01\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Chloe-Spears-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2026\/01\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Chloe-Spears-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2026\/01\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Chloe-Spears-100x100.png 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/div>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span>High School Student<\/span><\/h3>\n<h4><a href=\"chloerspears@gmail.com\">chloerspears@gmail.com<\/a><\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Chloe is a high school student from outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, who joined the OTO-COATI Lab in September of 2025. She is a senior at The Agnes Irwin School and is planning to attend Duke University in the fall of 2026, where she plans to major in Biology and minor in Medical Sociology. She is currently\u00a0contributing to the Computation FEES Project, studying dysphagia outcomes and assessment. She plans to pursue a career as a physician-researcher. Outside of research, Chloe enjoys playing the piano and distance running.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<style><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span>\ufeff<\/span><br \/>        .image-content {<br \/>            float: right; \/* Align the image to the right *\/<br \/>            margin-left: 40px; \/<span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span>* Add some space between the text and the image *\/<br \/>        }<br \/>    <\/style>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Emma Kraus, MPH<\/strong><\/h2>\n<div class=\"image-content\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/oto-coati\/files\/2025\/10\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Emma-Kraus.png\" alt=\"Emma Kraus\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" class=\"alignright wp-image-620\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2025\/10\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Emma-Kraus.png 540w, https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2025\/10\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Emma-Kraus-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2025\/10\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Emma-Kraus-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2025\/10\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Emma-Kraus-100x100.png 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/div>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span>Medical Student<\/span><\/h3>\n<h4><a href=\"mailto:emmank@bu.edu\"><span data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">emmank@bu.edu<\/span><\/a><\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">Emma Kraus joined the OTO-COATI Lab as a second-year medical student in October 2025. Originally from Yardley, Pennsylvania, she earned a BA in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, and Genetics and an MPH in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from Boston University. She previously interned at the MGH Center for Addiction Medicine and now contributes to research on head and neck cancer clinical outcomes. Her interests include addressing disparities in care and improving quality of life for otolaryngology patients. Outside of medicine, Emma enjoys book clubs, painting, exploring coffee shops, and spending time with her round friendly cat, Miso.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<style><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span>\ufeff<\/span><br \/>        .image-content {<br \/>            float: right; \/* Align the image to the right *\/<br \/>            margin-left: 40px; \/<span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span>* Add some space between the text and the image *\/<br \/>        }<br \/>    <\/style>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Nicholas Burns, BS<\/strong><\/h2>\n<div class=\"image-content\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/oto-coati\/files\/2025\/11\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Nicholas-Burns.png\" alt=\"Nicholas Burns\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" class=\"alignright wp-image-640\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2025\/11\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Nicholas-Burns.png 540w, https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2025\/11\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Nicholas-Burns-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2025\/11\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Nicholas-Burns-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/files\/2025\/11\/OTO-COATI-Site-Bio-Photo-Nicholas-Burns-100x100.png 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/div>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span>Graduate Student<\/span><\/h3>\n<h4><span data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\"><a href=\"mailto:ndburns@bu.edu\">ndburns@bu.edu<\/a><\/span><\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Nicholas &#8220;Nick&#8221; Burns joined the OTO-COATI Lab as a second-year master\u2019s student in November 2025. Originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota, he earned a BS in Biology from Boston College before working for three years as a surgical neurophysiologist in the Greater Boston Area. He is currently contributing to the lab\u2019s work on clinical outcomes involving novel laryngeal edema patterns with plans to apply to medical school after completing his graduate degree. Outside of medicine, Nick enjoys trying new recipes from NYT Cooking, volunteering with the Rose Brigade in the Boston Public Garden, tending to his two bonsai plants, and weightlifting.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h1 style=\"text-align: center; margin-top: 20px;\"><strong><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/alumni\/\" style=\"display: inline-block; padding: 8px 16px; border: 4px solid #24243a; border-radius: 4px; color: #24243a; background-color: transparent; text-decoration: none;\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Go to list of OTO-COATI Lab Alumni<\/span><br \/>\n<\/a><br \/>\n<\/strong><\/h1>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Faculty Gintas Krisciunas, PhD, MPH, MA Research Assistant Professor Director of the OTO-COATI Lab gintas@bu.edu Dr. Krisciunas&#8217;s work is broadly focused on enhancing and measuring otolaryngology related clinical outcomes through collaborative, interdisciplinary, and often multi-institutional research.\u00a0 His research program consists of three focus areas: 1) treatment efficacy &amp; outcomes, 2) assessment \/ measurement, and 3) [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":23038,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":2,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-templates\/no-sidebars.php","meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/16"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/23038"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16"}],"version-history":[{"count":50,"href":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/16\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":686,"href":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/16\/revisions\/686"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/oto-coati\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}