Our Team

Fatima Husain, PhD

Dr. Husain is a computational and cognitive neuroscientist by training, with a special interest in hearing and hearing disorders. She utilizes behavioral, audiological, neuroimaging and computational modeling to understand tinnitus, hearing loss, hyperacusis, misophonia and their comorbidities with a view to testing and developing treatments. The enduring goal of her lab is to conduct science in the service of people; in the short-term, to gain better understanding of highly prevalent but under-studied hearing disorders and to reduce suffering associated with the disorders above.

Ivan Abraham, PhD

Teaching Assistant Professor

Prof. Abraham’s interests encompass systems theory, dynamics & data analytics, neuroscience, and programming. He is an alumnus of Texas A&M University (BS), the University of Illinois (MS, Ph.D.) and presently teaching faculty with the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECE). Previously, he was a postdoctoral associate with the Coordinated Science Laboratory and an Adjunct Lecturer in ECE. He also held positions as a postdoc with the Discovery Partners Institute and as an Adjunct Lecturer in the Department of Bioengineering.

Namitha Jain

PhD Student – Speech and Hearing Science

Namitha holds a degree Master’s degree in Audiology. She is interested in how emotion and cognition contribute to hearing disorders. Her current research focuses on the neural mechanisms involved in emotion perception and processing in sound tolerance disorders, including hyperacusis and misophonia. By uncovering these underlying mechanisms, she hopes to improve the assessment and diagnosis of these complex conditions. When she’s not in the lab, you can probably find her on the dance floor perfecting a waltz or swimming laps at the pool.

Emilia Kaniewska

PhD Student – Speech and Hearing Science

Emilia is a PhD student with a background in audiology and hearing sciences. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Audiology from Warsaw Medical University in Poland and a Master’s in Hearing, Balance and Communication from University College Cork in Ireland. Emilia previously worked as a clinical audiologist in an ENT practice in Norway. Her research explores the neuroscience of tinnitus and sensory perception. Outside the lab, she enjoys traveling and staying active through CrossFit.

Shagun Ajmera

PhD Student – Neuroscience

Shagun is a computer science engineer by training. Currently she studies brain network interactions in auditory disorders using EEG/fMRI neuroimaging, and pattern recognition tools of machine learning and artificial intelligence. Shagun is a typical Scorpio, an amateur percussionist, and a dormant crocheter.

Heba Mehmood

PhD Student -Neuroscience

Heba is a first year PhD student in the NSP program at UIUC. She graduated with her BS in Psychology from Indiana University Northwest, and she received her Masters in Psychological Sciences from Northern Michigan University. Heba’s research experience includes work on genetic mutations related to neurodevelopmental disorders. She is assisting on two projects, one on PTSD and the other on tinnitus. Heba’s hobbies include painting and reading. 

Lakalia Edwards-Jarmon

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Lakalia is a freshman at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign majoring in Speech and Hearing Science. Her long-term goal is to become a physical or occupational therapist, and she is currently exploring different paths within the healthcare field. Outside of academics, she enjoys baking, playing volleyball, and staying active through sports, fitness, and outdoor activities.

Sophia Li

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Sophia is an undergraduate neuroscience student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with a minor in child health and wellbeing. Within the ACN Lab, she uses automated analysis of EEG data to research prospective biomarkers of tinnitus. She hopes to pursue the study and advancement of developmental outcomes for children with neurological disorders. Outside the lab, Sophia is an avid sci-fi reader and a guitarist who finds great joy in making music with a community.

Isaiah Mock

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Isaiah is an undergraduate Neuroscience student at the University of Illinois Chicago, on track to graduate in May 2027. In addition to collaborating with the Auditory Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, Isaiah conducts research on dyadic musical synchronization within UIC’s Music, Action, and Dynamics Lab. He intends to pursue a Ph.D. in cognitive neuroscience, with the long-term goal of establishing a lab to investigate how music therapy and non-invasive neuromodulation can mitigate cognitive decline in populations with neurodegenerative diseases. Outside the lab, Isaiah is a multi-instrumentalist who spends his free time learning instruments, building his record collection, and discovering his next favorite artist.