Anthony Herdman

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Associate Professor

Contact

E-mail: aherdman@audiospeech.ubc.ca

Dr. Anthony (Tony) Herdman is an Associate Professor in the School of Audiology and Speech Sciences at the University of British Columbia (UBC). He is also an Affiliate Investigator at the BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute and a member of the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health.

Research

Dr. Herdman’s research program explores the brain dynamics underlying auditory and visual perception, audiovisual integration, attention, and language, using behavioral and electrophysiological measures such as electroencephalography (EEG) and magnetoencephalography (MEG). Additionally, his work incorporates artificial intelligence to classify brain signals and generative AI to simulate these signals.

A key area of his research involves refining neuroimaging techniques to advance EEG and MEG methodologies. For instance, Dr. Herdman and his colleagues developed a method that improves accuracy of identifying neural network connectivity across the whole brain. Dr. Herdman also developed an open-source software, called SimMEEG, that simulates brain network activity for validating and improving such neuroimaging (EEG/MEG) techniques and analysis pipelines.

Another major focus of his research is studying auditory evoked responses to test hearing in adults and infants, particularly in collaboration with the BC Early Hearing Program (BCEHP). His ongoing research with BCEHP aims to improve hearing diagnostic approaches, ensuring early identification and interventions that enrich infant language development.

Teaching

Dr. Herdman is committed to graduate training in audiology and speech sciences, with a focus on advanced hearing sciences and electrophysiology. As part of his commitment to continuously improve training, he created SimHERA (Simulation of Human Evoked Response Audiometry) and SimHBA (Simulation of Human Behavioural Audiometry), innovative simulation-based educational software that enhances student learning in hearing sciences, auditory electrophysiology, behavioural audiometry. These training tools provide a controlled, interactive environment for students to practice clinical skills and apply their knowledge.

Service & Community Outreach

Dr. Herdman actively participates in service initiatives within UBC and works collaboratively with colleagues to support the university community. He is also highly engaged in community outreach, particularly through the BC Early Hearing Program (BCEHP) and Alberta Health Services (AHS), which provide province-wide hearing screening, diagnostic testing, and early intervention for infants with varying degrees of hearing ability.

Beyond his professional service, he is dedicated to public outreach and science education. He is the creator of “Brain Camp for Kids”, an initiative designed to introduce children to the wonders of neuroscience through interactive and hands-on activities. This program fosters curiosity about brain function, sensory perception, and cognitive development, engaging young minds in scientific exploration.

Dr. Herdman’s research, teaching, and service efforts collectively advance the fields of audiology, speech sciences, and neuroimaging, while also supporting the broader goal of enhancing hearing health and education within the community.

July 6, 2023

  • Mahey, et al., (2023) Generative Adversarial Network (GAN) for Simulating Electroencephalography. Brain Topography (2023) 36:661–670 (DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10548-023-00986-5)

December 15, 2020

Older News

AUDI 514  Hearing Science I

This course is a basic (or first) course specifically focused on auditory anatomy, physiology, and perception (psychoacoustics). It concerns those aspects of normal auditory structure, function and perception important for a basic understanding of hearing and for subsequent study in Audiology and Speech-Language Sciences. Auditory pathology (hearing loss) is only briefly touched upon. [Note: Detailed coverage of complex sound processing, the central auditory system, and auditory pathology is provided in AUDI 515 (Term II), not in AUDI 514.]

AUDI 515  Hearing Science II

Example of a page from one student’s Knowledge Portfolio

This course is the Audiology graduate students’ second course in hearing science. It covers cochlear physiology in greater detail than AUDI 514, and covers central auditory anatomy and physiology from 8th nerve to cortex. Advanced issues are linked to laboratory experiences (e.g., active/passive mechanisms in the cochlea are linked to a lab on otoacoustic emissions). Psychoacoustics of more complex stimuli are covered.  Class size is small (~12 students). Format is seminars (80%) and labs (20%). Students create individual Knowledge Portfolios to enhance their learning and communication skills.

AUDI 558  Physiological Measures of Auditory Function

This course is the Audiology graduate students’ in-depth course auditory evoked/event-related potentials and otoacoustic emissions. Because of its importance for clinical practice, major emphasis is placed on the auditory brainstem (ABR) and auditory steady-state (ASSR) responses. Throughout the course, basic science aspects of these measures, as well as state-of-the-art techniques and measures, are provided in order to give students a solid foundation and the ability to adapt to future developments. Considerable hands-on experience is provided. The course includes a critical consideration of clinical protocols. In special cases, 1-2 graduate students from other Faculties/Departments may take this course. Class size is small (~12 students). Format is 50% lecture/seminar and 50% labs.