APC Lab Alum Spotlight: Lei Feng
Current Employer: University of Minnesota
Current Job Title: Assistant Professor
Current website: SONIC Lab
Favorite current project: I'm currently leading a translational research study focused on developing a novel auditory nerve implant, a next-generation hearing prosthetic device. By establishing direct and close contact with the auditory nerve, this implant has the potential to significantly improve spatial resolution, opening the door to better hearing outcomes for individuals with severe hearing loss. We are collaborating with industrial partners and clinical teams at both the University of Minnesota and Hannover Medical School in Germany. Our work combines neurophysiological insights to develop optimal stimulation strategies in preparation for a first-in-human clinical trial, scheduled for March 2026.
If your current job isn’t your first position since leaving the University of Minnesota, where else have you worked? Since my time at the University of Minnesota, I’ve held several roles in industry. I’ve worked as a consultant for a private medical device company and served as a contract research scientist at Medtronic. I later co-founded a startup, Particle4X, where I currently serve as CEO, focusing on innovative technologies in particle diagnostics and flow measurement.
When were you in the APC Lab? December 2013 – May 2018
What position did you have during your time at the APC Lab? Postdoc
What was your favorite project/paper from your time in the APC Lab? One of my favorite projects in the APC Lab explored speech contrast effects in both normal-hearing listeners and cochlear implant (CI) users. Surprisingly, we found that CI users exhibited larger-than-expected contrast effects, a result that challenged our initial hypotheses. This finding highlighted the significant role of neural plasticity and learning in shaping speech perception. As CI users adapt to new auditory cues, their brains undergo meaningful changes, not all of which may be beneficial. This work inspired new questions about the neural mechanism of perception in CI users and how training and experience affect perception, and how we can better support their auditory adaptation.
Favorite restaurant to grab a bite to eat in the Twin Cities/campus? Kbop Korean Bistro
Do you have any funny stories about your time in the lab to share? I’ve always enjoyed working with CI participants. They’re incredibly enthusiastic and genuinely interested in our research. Once, during an ECAP recording session, a participant asked what we were measuring. I explained that we were recording the electrical signals traveling from the ear to the brain. He looked shocked and said, “Good thing I didn’t have my feet wet!” I reassured him that it was just tiny electrical currents.
Another great memory was playing UNO in the lab with Andrew. Everyone was too polite to throw down the +4 cards. It was the kindest game of UNO I’ve ever played.
Favorite scientific conference to attend? The Association for Research in Otolaryngology (ARO) Meetings.
Any words of advice for current students/researchers? Don’t hesitate to ask questions. The field is incredibly interdisciplinary, and you’ll learn a lot from your colleagues’ diverse backgrounds.
