Congratulations to undergraduate researcher Robby Boney for his Auvil research award. This highly competitive award will help support Robby’s work in protein evolution and hair cell regeneration.

The Coffin lab welcomes Gavin Lockard, a new undergraduate researcher joining the lab this term.

Congratulations to Coffin Lab PhD student Alex Camino and Clay Hudson (PhD student, OHSU) on their wedding this summer. We’re excited for your life together as the future Dr. and Dr. Hudson!

Research is important, but so is having fun. This July several Coffin Lab members took a day off to enjoy the scenic beauty of June Lake and Mt. St. Helens.

The Coffin Lab welcomes Dr. Kristy Lawton, who joined the lab July 1st as a postdoctoral fellow. Kristy will study the cellular mechanisms of noise-induced hearing loss, supported by an R21 grant from the NIDCD.

Congratulation to Erin Cooper for completing her neuroscience B.S. this month! Erin is a four-tour combat Veteran embarking on a new adventure; hiking for science. This summer, Erin will lead a group of Veterans on a hike of the Pacific Crest Trail. Along the way she will collect saliva samples to examine stress hormones and other biochemical elements in their hiking group. Long-term, Erin wants to pursue a PhD in neuroscience, with a focus on understanding how hiking and other extreme exercise can help Veterans suffering from TBI and PTSD. Visit Erin’s Gofundme site to support her hike and research efforts!

Happy holidays from the Coffin Lab to a local family in need! We celebrated the holiday season by adopting a local family through the Christmas Family Adoption Foundation, then gathered together for holidays snacks and a gift-wrapping party.

Congratulations to lab manager Heather Wiedenhoft for her article on algae in Fisheries, the official publication of the American Fisheries Society.

The lab has an opening for a doctoral student for Fall 2016. We’re looking for someone with research and leadership experience to further our studies on the cellular mechanisms of hearing loss. Please email allison.coffin [at] wsu.edu for more information.

Congratulations to doctoral student Phil Uribe on his win at the finals of the WSU 3-minute thesis contest! Phil’s engaging presentation on the dangers of loud noise captivated the judges. Phil will receive a $3,000 travel award. Phil is also the president of the Salmon Speakers Toastmasters club, demonstrating that improving his speaking skills literally paid off. Way to go Phil!