Matthew Neal is a researcher in Communication Technologies Research Center. During his doctoral training, he worked at the intersection of human auditory perception and signal processing, using spherical microphone array processing and virtual reality audio techniques to accurately recreate concert hall environments. This let him study individual preference between concert halls with differing acoustic properties. After his doctorate, Neal focused on translating virtual reality audio and room acoustic techniques into the field of hearing aids and audiology. In these fields, his research interests include studying the accuracy of virtual reality audio techniques for applications in hearing device testing and technology translation. Neal is also highly interested in academic innovation, looking at how virtual reality audio techniques can be used in the context of hearing aid fitting and counseling in the audiology clinic. He is also interested in studying how demonstration technologies can be used to help increase the rate of hearing aid adoption. Outside of basic research, Neal is a founder and CEO of a University-launched technology start-up company, providing immersive virtual reality software to showcase the benefits of hearing aids to individuals suffering from hearing loss.