Colleen Le Prell, Ph.D., is the Emilie and Phil Shepps Professor of Hearing Science and AuD Program Head at the University of Texas at Dallas. Current research seeks to identify mechanisms of cell death after insult to the inner ear; data are used to identify potential otoprotective agents. Dr. Le Prell has led three clinical trials assessing potential protection of the human inner ear (NCT00808470, NCT01444846, NCT02257983). Additional research efforts seek to identify potential consequences of recreational noise exposure on functional performance and evoked potential morphology in animals and in humans. These efforts have been funded by NIH and the DOD, as well as foundations (AHRF and NOHR), and Industry (Sound Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Edison Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Hearing Health Sciences, Inc., OtoMedicine, Inc., MaxSound, Inc.). Dr. Le Prell has edited three books, and teaches courses on the topics of Hearing Loss Prevention, Research Methods in Audiology, and Evidence-Based Practice.

Dr. Kathleen Campbell, is Distinguished Scholar and Professor, Department of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology at SIU School of Medicine. She obtained her PhD at the University of Iowa. She worked as a clinician for over 2 decades but now conducts full time research. She has published 2 textbooks and over 200 abstracts, manuscripts, and book chapters. She served on the American Academy of Audiology Board of Directors and received a Special Presidential Citation. She received Honors of the American Speech and Hearing Association and received 2 Medical Innovator’s Awards from Sangamon Medical Society. She was also awarded a Mensa Special Foundation Trustee’s Award for chairing their National Research Awards and Honors Committee and a Copper Black Award in Creative Achievement for her patents. She received the SIU university wide 2012 “Inventor of the Year Award”. She consults with Pharmaceutical Companies and the FDA on ototoxicity issues.