Highlighting the Postdoctoral Achiever: Dr. Aaron Nidiffer
Aaron Nidiffer, a postdoctoral associate in the lab of Edmund Lalor, Ph.D., is delving into the intricate world of linguistic processes in the visual system, particularly focusing on how people who are Deaf use lip reading.
Nidiffer's research is centred around the brain's heavy lifting in the visual system in the speech domain. He is investigating how the brain interprets visual speech and processes two types of information conveyed by the lips - timing and shape.
Nidiffer's unique approach involves presenting audiovisual speech to participants, including those who are Deaf, with and without a cochlear implant, as well as hearing participants. Some of his participants are individuals who rely on lip reading to understand what others are saying, according to his research.
Nidiffer's journey into this field was sparked by his background in playing music, which piqued his interest in the brain. He earned his PhD in Hearing and Speech Sciences at the University of Rochester and later at Vanderbilt University.
The aim of Nidiffer's research is to understand how the brain utilizes visual inputs to help the auditory system make its linguistic representation of speech. He does not give credit to the visual system for doing enough in the speech domain, and his research also aims to understand how the visual system might be making its own linguistic representations.
Nidiffer is an avid reader of primary research outside of the lab and emphasizes the importance of joining a lab to gain a deeper understanding of how science is done. He advises undergraduates to join a lab early in their academic career and volunteers for journal clubs to practice explaining his learnings to others.
Reading and participating in journal clubs have helped Nidiffer improve his writing skills, a crucial aspect of his research. He follows the advice of reading widely to design well-controlled experiments and interpret results.
Nidiffer's experiences in music and his involvement in research have contributed to his understanding of how the brain interprets vibrations as coherent units. He believes that understanding the practical aspects of science early on is beneficial.
In conclusion, Aaron Nidiffer's research is shedding light on the complex processes involved in lip reading, providing valuable insights into how the brain interprets visual speech. His journey serves as an inspiration for those pursuing a career in science, emphasizing the importance of practical experience, reading, and joining a lab early in one's academic career.
