UAG School of Medicine Welcomes Dr. Daniel A Llano as a Visiting Professor

The UAG School of Medicine is thrilled to welcome Dr. Daniel A. Llano as a distinguished visiting professor. With an illustrious career in Molecular & Integrative Physiology, Dr. Llano holds the prestigious titles of Benjamin R. and Elinor W. Bullock and Edwin E. and Jeanne Bullock Goldberg Professorial Scholar and LAS Distinguished Professorial Scholar. His expertise spans a wide array of research interests, including Computational Biology, Imaging, Neurobiology, Optogenetics, and Sensory Processing.

Dr. Daniel A Llano brings a wealth of expertise and knowledge to the UAG School of Medicine as a visiting professor. His groundbreaking research, commitment to teaching, and contributions to science underscore his invaluable role in shaping the future of medical education and advancing our understanding of auditory processing and neurodegenerative diseases. We are honored to have him as part of our academic community.

Research Focus
Dr. Llano's research primarily delves into understanding the intricate mechanisms underlying the processing of complex sounds by the auditory system. His laboratory investigates how the brain generates internal models of the sensory world to extract meaning from complex stimuli such as speech. Specifically, they explore the role of top-down projections from the auditory cortex to subcortical structures in shaping the response properties of neurons and processing complex auditory information.

Clinical and Translational Contributions
In addition to his groundbreaking basic science research, Dr. Llano is deeply committed to clinical and translational work. His patient care focuses on aging-related auditory network dysfunction and neurodegenerative diseases, aiming to understand changes in network properties in the auditory thalamus and cortex.

Teaching and Awards
Recognized for his exceptional teaching abilities, Dr. Llano has received numerous awards, including the Excellence in Teaching Recognition and the Golden Apple Teaching Award. He has taught courses such as Introduction to Neurobiology and Phase 1 Clinical Neuroscience at the Carle Illinois College of Medicine.

Contributions to Science
Dr. Llano's contributions to science are extensive, with numerous publications in prestigious journals. His research has uncovered novel insights into the organization of auditory pathways, the role of corticofugal projections in complex sound processing, and the impact of aging on auditory network function. His work has earned him accolades such as the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) and the Helen Corley Petit Scholar Award.

Photo by L. Brian Stauffer

Upcoming Collaborative Sessions
Dr. Llano and, our very own, Dr. Alvarez will be partnering on topics starting April 15th, 2024. They will focus on subjects such as how we move, how we articulate words, how our thoughts form, and how we collect memories and subsequently delve into what happens when there is dysfunction in any of these systems. This partnership entails Dr. Alvarez beginning by explaining the physiology, anatomy, and neurobiology of each section, and Dr. Llano will then discuss the clinical aspect, addressing abnormalities.

Dr. Llano's and Dr. Alvarez's presentations will involve practical examples and clinical scenarios that facilitate the understanding of this intricate yet fascinating world of neuroscience.

On Thursday, April 18th, 2024, they will continue with an exercise that they have been doing for a couple of years now, which is a general neurological examination. Initially, there will be a theoretical session, followed by hands-on training with the assistance of various trained professors. The doctors will divide into small groups to properly explore and learn to examine patients with neurological disorders.

The UAG School of Medicine is incredibly excited to host Dr. Llano as a visiting professor, as we are certain that he will add immense value to our students. His wealth of expertise and groundbreaking research will undoubtedly enrich the educational experience and inspire the next generation of medical professionals. Additionally, during his visit, Dr. Llano will be teaching a class to our students in the Neuroscience Block, providing them with invaluable insights into this field.