Director, Stem Cell Institute

Northwestern University

Dr. Kessler received his undergraduate degree from Princeton University and his M.D. from Cornell University. He is board certified in both neurology and internal medicine. The majority of his research career has focused on studies of basic cellular and molecular neurobiology with the long-term goal of developing techniques for repairing the damaged nervous system. His work has also collaboratively embraced other fields including bionanotechnology and materials science to help develop tools for accomplishing this long-term goal. Dr. Kessler is now beginning to translate his findings in several clinical trials that he is directing, including a phase III gene therapy trial. He was Chairman of Neurology at Northwestern University for 12 years and currently is Director of the Northwestern University Stem Cell Institute. He is Editor-in-Chief of the Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology and an associate editor on several other journals. Dr. Kessler has received numerous awards both in the medical field and outside of it, including a Peabody Award for his documentary film. He is on the board of directors of two hospitals and serves on numerous scientific advisory boards, including the Christopher Reeve Foundation Advisory Panel and the March of Dimes Scientific Review Board. He is the author of more than 300 scientific publications and has had NIH funding continuously since 1979. Dr. Kessler is Principal Investigator of the Northwestern University R25 Research Education Programs for Trainees in Neurology.