About
Mimosa Acoustics

Meet the Team

Pat Jeng – Founder & CEO

Pat founded Mimosa Acoustics in 1994, drawing on her expertise in computer science and speech and hearing research to bridge the gap between technical innovation and clinical application. Under her leadership, the company has developed state-of-the-art auditory diagnostic systems, such as the HearID and OtoStat, which are used to evaluate middle and inner-ear health. The name 'Mimosa' was inspired by her favorite childhood tree, symbolizing her commitment to creating a company rooted in both scientific rigor and personal passion.

Jont Allen – Chief Technology Officer

Jont Allen is a renowned electrical engineer and auditory scientist whose career spans over five decades. Beginning at Bell Labs in 1970, he made significant contributions to the field of auditory signal processing, including the development of distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) and wideband acoustic immittance (WAI) measurements. He also led the creation of the first commercial multiband wide dynamic range compression (WDRC) hearing aid, which evolved into the ReSound brand. In 2003, Jont joined the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign as a professor in Electrical and Computer Engineering, where he continues to advance research in speech perception, middle ear diagnostics, and hearing aid signal processing. As CTO of Mimosa Acoustics, Jont applies his extensive expertise to develop innovative auditory diagnostic tools, bridging the gap between cutting-edge research and clinical application.

Judi Lapsley Miller – Senior Scientist & Customer Sales and Service Manager

With a background in auditory research, Judi is a translational scientist who cares about getting science out of the lab and into the clinic through responsive product development that starts and ends with the customer. She wears many hats at Mimosa, but she most enjoys being “Chief Breaker & Wrecker” for her uncanny ability to uncover bugs. Based in Aotearoa New Zealand, Judi also moonlights as a wildlife artist, known for her empathic portraits of rare and endangered birds.

Don Wallace – Lead Software Engineer & Regulatory Specialist

With decades of experience in both hardware and software engineering, Don is a core member of the Mimosa Acoustics team. From embedded systems to regulatory compliance, Don’s work supports every aspect of product development and delivery. Beyond his technical expertise, Don is an avid cat lover and dedicates his time to leading Scout groups on hikes, sharing his appreciation for the American wilderness.

Chris Manrique – Software Developer & Hardware Designer

Chris once said “of course” when asked to do the impossible—and he’s been roped into expanding his already impressive skillset ever since. Chris brings a hands-on, resourceful approach to both software and hardware challenges at Mimosa Acoustics, tackling complex tasks with persistence and ingenuity. Off the clock, Chris channels his creativity into artistic projects—including turning friends and coworkers into Muppets with the help of ChatGPT.

Linton Miller – Computer Scientist

The only thing Linton loves more than computers is “Somebody Else's Problem.” Put the two together, and you get innovative solutions. With a background in psychoacoustics lab support, he brings deep expertise in computing and digital electronics to hearing research and product development. Tenacious and endlessly curious, he’s the person you want on your toughest tech challenges. Outside of work, Linton took up wildlife photography so he didn’t have to carry Judi’s camera gear, and now he captures New Zealand’s wild beauty through his own lens.

Diane Lynn – Production Manager

Diane brings a unique blend of scientific precision and IT expertise to her role at Mimosa Acoustics. With a background spanning biological research, hospital information systems, and technical training, she ensures every device is assembled, tested, and shipped to the highest standard. Her decades of experience, eye for detail, and steady approach make her an essential part of maintaining our reputation for quality. Diane’s work may be behind the scenes, but her impact is front and centre in everything we ship.