About Our Research
We help individuals with disabilities improve mobility, cognition, quality of life, and gain employment.
Kessler Foundation changes the lives of people with physical and cognitive disabilities through the work of specialized rehabilitation research centers. Our scientists seek ways to overcome obstacles faced by adults and children who live with brain injury, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, stroke, autism, and other chronic neurological and orthopedic conditions. Researchers also investigate how disabilities affect employment and methods to optimize outcomes.
Helping Adults and Children With Disabilities
Our research changes care. Kessler Foundation researchers are recognized nationally and internationally in neuroscience, neuropsychology, neurology, bioengineering, public health, and disability employment. We collaborate with clinical partners to identify needs and assess new methods of treatment. Treatments developed by Kessler Foundation scientists are used by rehabilitation professionals in the U.S., Canada, Europe, Australia, Asia, and South America.
Scientific Leadership
Scientific Leadership
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Senior Vice President, Research and Training
Director
Center for Multiple Sclerosis Research
Interim Director
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Chief Medical Officer
Kessler Foundation
Co-Director
Reynolds Center for Spinal Stimulation
Research Center Directors
Research Center Directors
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Director
Center for Neuropsychology and Neuroscience Research
Center for Traumatic Brain Injury Research
Northern New Jersey TBI Model System
Cognitive Functioning and Cognitive Rehabilitation Laboratory
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Director
Reynolds Center for Spinal Stimulation
Associate Director
Center for Mobility and Rehabilitation Engineering Research
Neural Plasticity Laboratory
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Director
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Associate Director, Neuropsychology Research
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Associate Director
Center for Outcomes and Assessment Research
Social Determinants of Health and Disability Outcomes Research Laboratory
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Institutional Review Board Chair
Institutional Review Board Chair
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Chair
Assistant Director
Center for Spinal Cord Injury Research
Self-Management Skill Development Laboratory
Research studies currently enrolling participants:
National Impact
Two federal Model System grants establish Kessler Foundation as a center of excellence for both traumatic brain injury (TBI) and spinal cord injury (SCI) research. Model Systems are comprehensive networks that promote independent and collaborative research that will improve the national standard of care for individuals with these devastating injuries. Model Systems are funded by large, multi-year grants sponsored by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research. While there are 18 SCI Model Systems and 16 TBI Model Systems in the U.S., Kessler Foundation is one of only 10 centers to have dual Model Systems, which are a collaborative effort with Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation.
- Network for Spatial Neglect
- Kessler Foundation Learning Center
- National Disability Employment Surveys
2022 | 2020 | 2017 | 2015
Research Collaborators
Collaborations with the foremost hospitals and universities across the country are critical to the success of our medical rehabilitation research. Our collaboration with Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation and Rutgers New Jersey Medical School is integral to our designation as one of only 10 institutions in the United States to hold Model Systems in both traumatic brain injury (NNJTBIMS) and spinal cord injury (NNJSCIMS). Collaborations with Veterans Administration hospitals include studies to improve care-giving for veterans with spinal cord injuries, the effects of Gulf War illness, and the use of exoskeletons to improve mobility and cardio-vascular function for persons with spinal cord injuries.
Postdoctoral Fellowship Program
Kessler Foundation's Rehabilitation Research Training Program trains individuals in clinical research whose ultimate goal is to improve the rehabilitation outcomes for traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, stroke, spinal cord injury, and other neurological and physical impairments. The program is designed to be multidisciplinary, and will solicit and enroll post-doctoral fellows and clinicians from a wide variety of fields within rehabilitation. These fellows will receive research training that will facilitate the pursuit of a career in rehabilitation research.
Derfner Foundation Funds Novel Research in Regenerative Medicine at Kessler Foundation
Kessler Foundation has received funding from the Derfner Foundation to support rehabilitation research in the area of regenerative medicine. Researchers are investigating a new treatment for chronic shoulder pain in wheelchair users with spinal cord injury and training a doctoral-level scholar.
Partnering to Develop an Innovative Virtual Reality Stroke Treatment
Kessler Foundation has partnered with Virtualware Group to create a virtual reality based treatment for spatial neglect, the most common spatial deficit after stroke. Under the direction of Peii Chen, PhD, and Denise Krch, PhD, the treatment enhances therapy participation through a safe, interactive, and game-like environment.
Volunteers Are the Heart
of Our Research