Dr. W Funnell

Biography

W Robert J Funnell is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at McGill University, with a joint position in the Department of Otolaryngology – Head Neck Surgery and a secondary association in the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering. His research focuses on the mechanics of the middle ear, with an overall objective to address key clinical issues related to hearing loss. He specializes in developing detailed screening diagnostic tests, particularly for infants, and designing techniques for repairing middle ears. His work encompasses experimental methodologies integrated with computer modeling to synthesize experimental data through finite-element models. He emphasizes the creation of high-quality three-dimensional (3D) models to visualize and simulate complex natural structures, which are also utilized in teaching anatomy. His expertise includes vibrational acoustics, biomechanics, and auditory mechanisms, with a significant interest in newborn hearing screening and medical education.

Research Interests