Jack Kessler, MD

Davee Professor in Stem Cell Biology; Chairman, Department of Neurology; Director, Northwestern University Stem Cell Institute; Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern Medical Faculty Foundation

Chicago IL

Dr. Kessler is one of the pioneers in the field of regenerative neurology.  His early work focused on the basic biology of neural growth factors, and he made fundamental contributions to understanding how neural growth factors regulate neuronal development.  He then established animal models of neuropathies, demonstrated the potential therapeutic benefits of growth factors in these models, and led human trials in diabetic neuropathy. One of the early investigators of the biology of neural stem cells, he has made seminal observations about mechanisms governing glial lineage commitment. His most recent work has focused on developing techniques for using nanoengineered materials in combination with stem cells  for repair of the damaged nervous system.  Working with stem cells and growth factors, he has spanned the divide between developmental neurobiology and clinical neurology and has helped pave the way for the development of techniques for repairing the damaged nervous system. Dr. Kessler is currently the principal investigator on 3 NIH grants in the field of stem cell research, and he is the Principal Investigator of an NIH Center of Excellence in Translational Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research.  He is also an editor of several journals, and on the Board of Trustees of two hospitals.   Dr. Kessler received his A.B. degree from Princeton University and his M.D. from Cornell University Medical College.  He is the author of more than 200 scientific publications.