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 Education department provides information about research programs, clinical studies, resources for living with paralysis, rehabilitation resources, clinical care referrals, and advice on worldwide investigational treatments and research. They also offer educational tours, lectures and additional outreach events to promote scientific awareness.
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.
Professor, Department of Neurological Surgery
Glial and Fibrotic Scar Formation in the CNS; Axon Regeneration
Scientific Director
Neuroprotection and Improved Recovery of Function following Brain and Spinal Cord Injury
Walter G. Ross Distinguished Chair in Developmental Neuroscience
Professor, Department of Neurological Surgery
High Content Screening and Functional Genomics of the Nervous System
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.
Shelby Burks, M.D., a burgeoning academic neurosurgeon in the Department of Neurological Surgery, under Miami Project Clinical Director Allan Levi, M.D., Ph.D., is the site Principal Investigator on a new multi-center study examining the effect of nerve transfers on reaching and grasping function, and quality of life, in people with tetraplegia.
“Each year, I find myself more and more inspired by the amazing athletes and individuals who are honored at this Great Sports Legends Dinner,” said Marc Buoniconti. “The evening was filled with emotions and I know my dad’s spirit was in the room with us as we paid tribute to these great individuals, all of whom were able to come together on this one night to help cure paralysis.”
Recently the 2022 Miami Project to Cure Paralysis Henry G. Steinbrenner Scholars Program, a 10-week funded, merit-based, research-driven summer research internship wrapped up. The program achieved its objective of expanding and diversifying the next generation of scientists in the clinically relevant yet underrepresented field of neurotrauma, culminating with the Steinbrenner Scholars Research Day where a panel of expert judges dubbed winners from oral and poster presentations given by the program’s participants on the research they conducted during the program.