My name is Maryse and I'm a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Takesian Lab at the Mass Eye and Ear. I'm running the Boston Marathon to raise money for the Eaton Peabody Laboratories (EPL), a group of labs conducting cutting edge research on hearing and deafness at the Mass Eye and Ear.

Although hearing begins at the ear, it ends in the brain. Some labs at the EPL - including my own - are studying how our brains perceive sound and what happens when that process is affected by hearing loss. This important research will help us understand and treat central auditory disorders such as tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and hyperacusis (sensitivity to sound), which can affect between 7-15% of adults.

After completing my PhD in Neuroscience at McGill University in 2019, I moved to Boston to continue my training with Dr. Anne Takesian. Our lab studies the neural circuits underlying auditory plasticity, or how the brain constantly adapts to its acoustic inputs. Through this work, I know only too well how precious our hearing is and its importance for overall brain health. By running the Boston Marathon with Team Eye and Ear in 2023, I want to raise awareness for the prevention of noise-induced hearing loss and the central auditory disorders associated with it.

Running the Boston Marathon will also represent a major personal milestone for me. I have been a runner since my dad encouraged me to run my first 10k when I was 12 years old. Since then, I have loved to participate in endurance activities and have completed one marathon, two triathlons, and countless half marathons. In 2015 and 2018, however, I suffered knee injuries while playing competitive ultimate frisbee and had to take time off to perform the important rehabilitation that was needed. Finishing Boston will represent my full recovery from this physical and mental challenge. With the support of my family, friends, and the Takesian Lab behind me, I am excited to race on behalf of Team Eye and Ear in 2023.

Please consider donating to support me and my fellow Takesian Lab colleague, Cathryn MacGregor, in our goal of raising $10,000 each and running the 127th Boston Marathon. Your donation will go towards funding important research in both peripheral and central hearing at the Mass Eye and Ear.