Our team of scientists, researchers, clinicians and staff work tirelessly to achieve extraordinary scientific progress in our quest to find a cure for paralysis.
The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis was co-founded by Barth A. Green, M.D., world -renowned neurosurgeon, and Nick Buoniconti, NFL Hall of Fame linebacker after Nick’s son, Marc, sustained a spinal cord injury during a college football game.
Research at The Miami Project has changed the landscape of knowledge and therapeutic strategies for spinal cord injury and traumatic brain injury.
Director of Education and Research
Interview With David McMillan, Ph.D.
The Miami Project presents Meet the Researcher, a periodic video series where each video introduces a new researcher. We will hear from the brilliant up and coming scientists and researchers that are part of The Miami Project’s dynamic international team.
Research Assistant Professor
Altering Host Glial Responses following CNS Injury and Disease to Promote Repair
Scientific Director
Neuroprotection and Improved Recovery of Function following Brain and Spinal Cord Injury
Associate Scientific Director for Research, The Miami Project
Physiological Assessment of Secondary Complications following SCI: Cardiometabolic and Vascular Physiology, Cardiovascular Pathology, Exercise and Nutritional Biochemistry, Electrical Stimulation and Bionics for Movement and Health
PARALYSIS DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE.
Watch our stories of hope and inspiration from a few of our researchers and participants as they live and fight paralysis.
Dr. Deena Cilien, DPT, PT, is a graduate of the University of Miami's top-ranked clinical physical therapy program and currently works as one of our resident neuro physical therapists, specializing in spinal cord injury.
I chose to participate because I think it's pretty neat being part of finding a cure for something that is so big and affects so many lives.
I first fell in love with The Miami Project in 1986, while volunteering as one of the first research participants. I continue to return to participate in studies.
I suffered a spinal cord injury in 1983. The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis really made a difference in my life.
Jerrod, was paralyzed in a car accident on his way to work a few years ago. He was left a T-12 paraplegic as a result of the incident.
Faces of Paralysis subject, Jazzmin, was diagnosed as a teenager with Neuromyelitis optica which occurs when immune system cells and antibodies attack the optic nerves and the spinal cord.
Richard was paralyzed as a result of a motorcycle accident on the way home that left him with a C-2 incomplete injury.
As part of June's recovery process at The Miami Project, she has been participating in research training programs to improve outcomes for individuals with spinal cord injury.
The wound healing process that occurs after spinal cord injury is critical for maintaining tissue homeostasis (optimal functioning) and limiting tissue damage. But the process eventually results in a scar-like environment that is not conducive to regeneration and repair following SCI. The research team was looking to better understanding this dichotomy which is critical to developing effective therapeutics that target the appropriate pathobiology.
The National Institutes of Health Outstanding Scholars in Neuroscience Award Program is designed to recognize and support those who are conducting exceptional neuroscience research across the nation and have great academic potential in their scientific training. The Miami Project is fortunate this year to have two NIH Outstanding Scholars in Neuroscience Awardees, a testament to the talented young researchers studying under our Principal Investigators.