Assistant Professor
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Department of Biomedical Science
Belucci Translational Hearing Center ​
Creighton University School of Medicine
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Omaha, NE
Kelsey Anbuhl, PhD
Principal Investigator
Kelsey received a B.S. in Cell and Molecular Biology at Spring Hill College in Mobile, AL. She then earned her Ph.D. in Neuroscience at the University of Colorado School of Medicine under the direction of Dr. Dan Tollin, where she focused on mechanisms of spatial hearing. After her Ph.D., she pursued postdoctoral training with Dr. Dan Sanes at New York University, where she identified adolescence as a time of vulnerability to sensory deprivation. She recently joined Creighton University School of Medicine as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences and the Bellucci Translational Hearing Center.
Morgane Vandendoren
Research Laboratory Manager
Morgane earned her Master of Science in Veterinary Sciences from the University of Wyoming. Her previous research, conducted under Drs. Adam Nelson and Nicole Bedford, focused on the connection between oxytocin neurons in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and their influence on social behavior. In the Anbuhl lab, she will use techniques like circuit tracing and real-time analysis of neural activity to better understand the complex brain pathways associated with auditory perception and listening effort behavior. Outside of work, Morgane enjoys trying new coffee shops, throwing pottery on the wheel, and spending time with her family.
Ayden Chavez
PhD Rotation Student, Biomedical Sciences
Ayden Chavez received a B.S. in Neuroscience with a minor in Justice and Peace Studies from Creighton University. He is a first-year PhD student in Biomedical Sciences at Creighton University School of Medicine. He is interested in many aspects of auditory neuroscience, from how sensory organs communicate with the brainstem and cortex and to observing how these mature across development and with disease states. Ayden plans to pursue post-doctoral training in auditory neuroscience/development. Outside of the lab you can find Ayden getting coffee, swimming, volunteering with Completely Kids, or mingling with someone on the mall.
Brian Hayes
PhD Rotation Student, Biomedical Sciences
Brian Hayes received a B.S. in Computer Science and Bioinformatics from Brigham Young University. He is a first-year Biomedical Sciences PhD student at Creighton University School of Medicine. He previously worked in Alzheimer's Disease research, and is interested in the mechanisms of cochlear signal trafficking to the brain. After graduation, he hopes to operate his own lab and become a professor. Aside from his research and academic endeavors, he enjoys playing board games, running, and cooking.
Dawn Ho
PhD Rotation Student, Biomedical Sciences
Dawn received her B.S. in Neuroscience from Texas A&M University, and is now a first-year Biomedical Sciences PhD student at Creighton University School of Medicine. She is interested in neuroplasticity and development of auditory processing after hearing recovery. She plans to pursue postdoctoral training in auditory neuroscience while advocating for accessibility for people affected by hearing loss. Outside of research, Dawn collects loose leaf teas, plays with her cat, and builds origami structures.
Etienne Labastie
PhD Rotation Student, Biomedical Sciences
Etienne Labastie received his B.S. and M.S. in Biomedical Engineering, specializing in Neuroengineering and Rehabilitative Engineering, from the University of South Florida. He is a first-year PhD student in Biomedical Sciences at Creighton University School of Medicine. His research interests lie in Auditory Neuroscience, particularly in understanding how hearing disorders influence mechanisms of neuroplasticity and neural encoding using electrophysiological and Connectomics approaches. After completing his doctorate, Etienne plans to pursue postdoctoral training and ultimately establish his own lab as a professor. Outside the lab, he enjoys playing pickleball and basketball, performing music, and exploring new areas around Omaha.
Alyssa Price
PhD Rotation Student, Biomedical Sciences
Alyssa Price received a B.A. in Psychology from University of South Florida, and is a first-year Biomedical Sciences PhD student at Creighton University School of Medicine. Her primary interests are in the field of Auditory Neuroscience, specifically looking at neuroplasticity, neural encoding, electrophysiology, and mechanistic explanations relating to different hearing deficits/disorders. After graduation, she hopes to operate her own lab investigating concepts such as audiogenic seizures and become a professor. Aside from her research and academic endeavors, she enjoys spending time with her dog, hiking, and playing World of Warcraft.
Miranda Garvey
Undergraduate Research Intern (STEMM-HEAR)
Miranda was selected for the 2025 STEMM-HEAR program and has joined the Anbuhl laboratory for the summer. She is a third-year undergraduate student pursuing a Neuroscience major with a Psychology minor at Rochester Institute of Technology, as part of the pre-medical track. She is interested in multimodal sensory perception and the effects of hearing loss on cognition. After graduation, Miranda hopes to attend an MD-PhD program. Outside of the lab, she enjoys creating art, exercising, and adventuring through nature.