Dr. Olson will work with collaborators at Rutgers University / Newark and the New Jersey Institute of Technology to design, construct and test a miniature hydrophone for intracochlear pressure measurements. By reducing sensor size and increasing sensitivity compared to previous intracochlear pressure probes, spatial resolution will be improved, and a better opportunity will exist to explore cochlear pressures at low signal levels. At these levels, the motion of cochlear sensory tissue becomes nonlinear, apparently to enhance sensitivity. If measurements of nonlinearity in intracochlear pressure are possible, their results will be useful in resolving the controversy over the process driving cochlear nonlinearity. Beyond its use in cochlear research, a miniature pressure sensor will have diverse applications, for example, as a component of hearing aids and ultrasonic image processors. Interactive activities at the host institution include conducting a "Saturday Science Program" outreach effort targeted at junior high school students in the community, in which a group of students, parents and chaperones will go on bi-weekly field trips to area science labs. Lab tours will be conducted by host scientists, half of whom will be women. The goals of the program are improvement of scientific literacy, infusion of scientific curiosity, and demonstration of the capability of women to be successful in scientific endeavors. This project furthers VPW program objectives which are (1) to provide opportunities for women to advance their careers in engineering and in the disciplines of science supported by NSF and (2) to encourage women to pursue careers in science and engineering by providing greater visibility for women scientists and engineers employed in industry, government, and academic institutions. By encouraging the participation of women in science, it is a valuable investment in the Nation's future scientific vitality.
