Tessa A. Hadlock

Harvard University, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Tessa A. Hadlock is a leading researcher in facial nerve regeneration and rehabilitation, with a focus on restoring function and symmetry after paralysis. Her work bridges neural engineering and clinical applications, particularly through the development of innovative assistive technologies. Hadlock’s major contributions include pioneering the use of infrared-based blink-detecting glasses for facial pacing, a system that synchronizes eyelid movement to improve corneal protection and aesthetic outcomes in patients with facial paralysis—a paper that has garnered 43 citations for its translational impact. She has also advanced fundamental understanding of nerve recovery through robot-assisted therapy, as demonstrated in her study on delivering mechanical stimulation to the rat whisker pad during facial nerve regeneration, which showed that periodic stimulation enhances whisking amplitude after nerve repair. This work, cited 11 times, highlights her commitment to bridging preclinical models with therapeutic devices. Hadlock’s research is notable for its interdisciplinary approach, combining robotics, bioengineering, and clinical rehabilitation to address the life-altering deficits of facial paralysis. Her achievements underscore a dedication to improving both function and quality of life for patients, making her a key figure in the field of facial reanimation.