Lab Members

Dr. Jorgensen is the director of the Soundscape & Audiology Research Lab. He is an assistant professor at UW-Madison. He earned his Doctorate in Audiology and PhD in Speech & Hearing Science from the University of Iowa. At UW-Madison, he teaches the undergraduate course in Intro to Audiology and the graduate course in Electroacoustics. In his free time, he likes to play Scrabble, play music, and hang out with his dog, Nina Simone de Beauvoir.

Lucas is a research specialist with an M.S. in Data Science in Human Behavior and a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He is interested in utilizing the power of data and research to further our understanding of human-related issues and to help improve the mental and physical well-being of others. Outside of work, Lucas loves music, movies, video games, and anything Wisconsin sports related.

Jaskirat is a doctoral student of Audiology at UW-Madison. She graduated with her B.S. in CSD from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Her primary interests include pediatrics and hearing aids. She hopes to learn more about over-the-counter hearing aids through her current and future participation in SARLab. Her capstone project is currently underway with Dr. Erik Jorgensen as her advisor. In her free time, she enjoys reading, running, and playing pickleball.

Cristina Manteca Gacho is a doctoral student under the mentorship of Erik Jorgensen. She holds a Master’s degree in Hispanic Linguistics from University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) and a Master of Arts in Spanish from Auburn University. Cristina earned her bachelor’s in Teaching and Special Education from Alcalá de Henares University and then received the Benjamin Franklin Scholarship that sponsored her graduate studies in the US. While working on a listening effort project, she realized there is a significant gap in our understanding of how older hearing aid users perceive noisy environments. She is currently developing a research project using PHL devices and smartphones to better understand the demands of their listening experiences in real life settings.

Anna is a third year doctoral student of audiology. She graduated from the University of Colorado-Boulder with a B.A. in speech, language, and hearing sciences. Her interests include hearing aids and hearing conservation. Her capstone project is currently underway with Dr. Erik Jorgensen studying ambient sound perception in hearing aid users. In her free time, she enjoys shopping, watching reality television, and exploring new restaurants.

Melanie is a doctoral student of Audiology at UW-Madison. She graduated with her B.A. in CSD from Augustana College. Her primary interests include pediatrics and hearing conservation. Her capstone project is currently underway with Dr. Erik Jorgensen as her advisor. In her free time, she enjoys reading, photography, and coaching volleyball. 

Trisha is a second year Doctor of Audiology student. She graduated from UW-Madison with a B.A. in Linguistics, Anthropology, and Communication Sciences & Disorders, with a Certificate in Global Cultures, Languages, and Education. Trisha is interested in how hearing loss can affect a person’s social and emotional wellbeing.

Autumn is a recent graduate from UW-Madison with majors in Psychology, Neurobiology, and Communication Sciences and Disorders. Following her graduation, she intends to pursue a doctoral degree in Audiology with the goal of becoming a clinical audiologist. Outside of the lab, Autumn enjoys sewing and finding new restaurants to try!

Afton is a first year Doctor of Audiology student. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2025 with a B.S. in Communication Sciences & Disorders and certificates in both Disability Rights & Services and Education & Educational Services. She’s interested in researching the relationship between hearing aid usage and social emotional health. 

Aly is a First Year Doctor of Audiology student at UW-Madison. She graduated from UW in 2025 with a B.A. in Communication Sciences & Disorders and Psychology. In her free time, she coaches youth soccer and enjoys reading and spending time with her loved ones.

Sophia is a senior undergraduate student studying Communication Sciences & Disorders with certificates in both Disability Rights & Services and Medieval Studies. After graduation, she plans on pursing Medical School to become an Otolaryngologist. She enjoys reading, horseback riding, and volunteering at Gigi’s Playhouse!

Ravin Kabra is a Data Science major at the University of Wisconsin-Madison who enjoys solving interesting problems alongside passionate people. Outside of academics, Ravin’s hobbies include basketball, playing guitar, singing, and the outdoors.