Our Team

Dr. West received his Ph.D. at the University of Texas at Austin in Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, studying ribosome biogenesis and nucleocytoplasmic transport in the yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae.  Upon completion of his graduate degree, he received post-doctoral training as a NIH National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Prevention Fellow at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, where he conducted molecular research aimed at enhancing the efficacy of chemotherapeutic intervention strategies and the characterization of tissue- and cancer-dependent changes in protein glycosylation. He joined the staff or the HEI in 2012 and is using his training to develop novel intervention strategies and reagents to reprogram the mammalian cochlear and vestibular niches to regenerate lost audiosensory epithelia (hair cells), stemming from acute traumatic events or age-related attrition.  His research emphasis also encompasses the identification and development of prophylactic intervention strategies for preventing or attenuating common pathophysiological responses associated with acute acoustic trauma and blast-induced traumatic brain injuries.  Matthew draws from a diverse array of educational and analytical expertise, having conducted research in a variety of model organisms and fields of study.