2025 San Diego
SCI Symposium
You are cordially invited to attend the 2025 San Diego Spinal Cord Injury Symposium. This is an annual event that brings together researchers, clinicians, patients, caregivers and other stakeholders to discuss and disseminate cutting-edge research and clinical practice. The intended outcome is a three-way education among and between biomedical researchers, healthcare professionals and the patient community.
This is a free event open to the community and a livestream option will be available for remote participants.
Sponsored by Paralyzed Veterans of America, Cal-Diego Chapter, VA San Diego Healthcare System and UCSD Department of Neurosciences.
Supported in part by Grant #890 from the Paralyzed Veterans of America Education Foundation.
MARCH 28, 2025
SAN DIEGO
The Speakers
Marc Hernaiz-Llorens, PhD
Postdoctoral Researcher, UCSD
Dr. Marc Hernaiz-Llorens is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) Department of Neurosciences, specializing in spinal cord injury research. He earned his Ph.D. in Neuroscience from the University of Barcelona, where he investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying neural repair.
Dr. Hernaiz-Llorens began his scientific journey with an internship at the Max Delbrück Center in Berlin, which ignited his passion for exploring the complexities of the nervous system. He furthered his studies by completing a Master’s degree in Genetics and Genomics in Barcelona, ultimately focusing his doctoral research on axon guidance mechanisms.
At UCSD, he collaborates with the Zheng Lab, conducting research on axon regeneration and neural development. His work centers on understanding the role of stress granule proteins in axonal repair, with the goal of developing therapies for spinal cord injuries and neurodegenerative diseases.
Ester J. Kwon, PhD
Associate Professor of Bioengineering, UCSD
Dr. Ester J. Kwon is an Associate Professor of Bioengineering at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), with expertise in developing nanoscale tools for diagnosing and treating neurological diseases. Her research focuses on creating nanomaterials that interact with the brain, advancing smart therapies, and developing innovative tools for biological study.
Dr. Kwon holds dual degrees from UC Berkeley: a Bachelor of Science in Bioengineering and a Bachelor of Arts in Molecular & Cell Biology. She completed her Ph.D. in Bioengineering at the University of Washington, where she engineered nanoparticles for delivering therapeutic nucleic acids to the central nervous system. Afterward, she pursued postdoctoral research at MIT in the lab of Professor Sangeeta N. Bhatia, where she developed nanomaterial scaffolds for applications in cancer, bacterial infections, and traumatic brain injury.
In 2017, Dr. Kwon joined UCSD, where she continues her groundbreaking work in nanotechnology, materials science, computational modeling, and neuroscience. Her lab focuses on solutions for brain-related diseases. She has received numerous awards, including the NIH Director’s New Innovator Award and the NSF CAREER Award. Dr. Kwon is also dedicated to fostering inclusivity and mentorship in science.
Su-Chun Zhang, MD, PhD
Neuroscientist and Stem Cell Biologist
Researcher at the Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine
Dr. Su-Chun Zhang is a pioneering neuroscientist and stem cell biologist whose work has transformed the field of neural regeneration and disease modeling. He is currently a researcher at the Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine in La Jolla, California, where he continues to advance groundbreaking research on human stem cells and their potential for repairing the nervous system.
Dr. Zhang earned his MD from Wenzhou Medical University in China and his PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Saskatchewan in Canada. He completed postdoctoral training at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), focusing on neural stem cells and their therapeutic applications.
A trailblazer in stem cell research, Dr. Zhang was among the first to successfully derive neural cells from human embryonic stem cells. His innovative work has laid the foundation for using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to study neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Beyond his scientific contributions, Dr. Zhang is a prolific author, educator, and mentor, with extensive publications in high-impact journals. His research at the Sanford Consortium is driving new advancements in regenerative medicine and personalized therapies, offering hope for individuals with devastating neurological conditions.
Mark H. Tuszynski, MD, PhD
Neurologist and Neuroscientist
Director of the Center for Neural Repair, USCD
Dr. Mark H. Tuszynski is a distinguished neurologist and neuroscientist recognized for his groundbreaking research in neural repair and regeneration. He serves as the Director of the Center for Neural Repair at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), where his work focuses on spinal cord injury, neurodegenerative diseases, and brain plasticity.
Dr. Tuszynski earned his MD from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and his PhD in Neuroscience from UCSD. He completed a neurology residency at Cornell University Medical Center and a fellowship in neurodegenerative diseases at UCSF.
His research emphasizes using gene therapy, stem cells, and growth factors to restore damaged neural pathways. Dr. Tuszynski’s innovative studies on delivering growth factors to the spinal cord have shown promise in restoring function after injuries and have led to advancements in clinical trials for spinal cord repair. Dr. Tuszynski has published extensively in leading scientific journals and is a sought-after mentor for young neuroscientists. His work in regenerative medicine has paved the way for transformative treatments for spinal cord injuries and neurodegenerative conditions.
Heather Ansley
Chief Policy Officer, PVA
Heather Ansley is a distinguished advocate with over 15 years of experience in public policy, government relations, and legal advocacy, specializing in disability rights and veterans’ issues. She is currently the Chief Policy Officer at Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), a role she has held since July 2023, where she leads initiatives to improve policies for veterans with spinal cord injuries and disorders.
Previously, Ms. Ansley served as PVA’s Associate Executive Director of Government Relations (2018–2023) and Associate General Counsel for Corporate and Government Relations (2015-2018), advancing legislative and regulatory priorities for PVA members and providing strategic and legal support to the organization. Heather also served at VetsFirst, a United Spinal Association program, where she held roles including Vice President of Veterans Policy and Director of Veterans Policy (2009–2015) and worked as the Director of Policy and Advocacy at Lutheran Services in America Disability Network, where she advanced policies supporting independence for individuals with disabilities.
Ms. Ansley earned her Juris Doctor (JD) from Washburn University School of Law and a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Missouri-Columbia. She combines legal and social work expertise to drive systemic change, ensuring equitable care and support for veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Raymond P. Onders, MD, FACS
Professor of Surgery, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
Chief of General Surgery, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center
Dr. Raymond Onders is a globally recognized surgeon and innovator specializing in minimally invasive surgery and diaphragm pacing technology. He is a Professor of Surgery at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and the Chief of General Surgery at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center.
Dr. Onders earned his medical degree from Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine and completed his residency in general surgery at Case Western Reserve University. Following his service as a Major in the United States Air Force, Dr. Onders joined University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center in 1997, where he currently serves as Director of Adult Minimally Invasive Surgery.
Dr. Onders is renowned for pioneering diaphragm pacing technology, which enables patients with diaphragmatic dysfunction to breathe using their own muscles. His work gained international recognition in 2003 when he implanted a diaphragm pacing device in actor Christopher Reeve, who had been paralyzed from a spinal cord injury. As a co-founder of Synapse Biomedical, Dr. Onders has been instrumental in advancing this technology, leading to its application in over 35 countries. His contributions have earned him multiple patents and numerous accolades, including the Distinguished Alumni Award from his alma mater in 2010.
In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Onders has authored over 100 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters, focusing on diaphragmatic function and minimally invasive surgical techniques. Dr. Onders continues to innovate in the field of diaphragmatic pacing, with recent research aimed at reducing ventilator dependence in intensive care patients, including those affected by COVID-19.
Jeri Muse, PhD, DAAPM
Clinical Psychologist
Assistant Clinical Professor, UCSD School of Medicine
Jeri Muse, PhD, DAAPM, is a clinical psychologist who served as the Lead Psychologist in VA San Diego Spinal Cord Injury unit for 24 years, where she received numerous clinical and leadership awards, including the National PVA Psychologist Award in 2015. She is an Assistant Clinical Professor at the UC San Diego School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, providing supervision to Post Doctoral Fellows and interns. She received her doctorate in Clinical Psychology with a Health Psychology specialty at the California School of Professional Psychology and later became board certified in pain management from the Academy of Integrative Pain Management.
Dr. Muse has a previous career as a rehabilitative exercise physiologist and a Certified Preventive and Rehabilitative Exercise Specialist from the American Academy of Sports Medicine. She has over 30 years of treating various traumatic experiences and is a frequent invited speaker about the impact of trauma on rehabilitation and systems of care. She is a sought-after consultant to various clinical teams on improving team functioning and optimizing delivery of care. She is an enthusiastic, engaging speaker and developed her love of team dynamics through her training in family systems of trauma and coaching Division I women’s basketball.
Justin D. Roberts
Independent Film Director and Producer
Justin D. Roberts is an independent film director and producer, renowned for his immersive documentary filmmaking in active war zones and disaster areas. He is currently directing a documentary called Live Free, capturing the war in Ukraine, where he has spent a year in Ukraine and in the trenches of Donbas, Mykolaiv, and the gray zone in Kharkiv. Justin is in pre-production on a syndicated series called Do Good, which raises support for humanitarian nonprofits, and has two documentary features, Drive On in postproduction and Fighting Spirit which is Executive Produced by Chris Pratt and is set to release this Veterans Day. His previous film, the international award-winning military-documentary No Greater Love, was lauded as "One of the best, most powerful documentaries ever made" by Movie Guide. For his service during his tour in Afghanistan, he was awarded the Bronze Star and the Army Commendation Medal for Valor.
His work has earned him eleven international awards, with screenings before the White House, Congress, the Vatican, and recognition such as the Santini Patriot Spirit Award and Best Military Filmmaker from the G.I. Film Festival. Justin graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary and holds Masters degrees in Media Arts and Communication and in Biblical Studies.
Al Kovach
Writer, Navy SEAL Veteran, and Former President of PVA
On May 21, 1991, Navy Petty Officer Al Kovach, a member of SEAL Team 5 in Coronado, CA, sustained a career-ending injury during a combat training parachuting accident, resulting in a broken neck and permanent paralysis. Following his medical retirement from the Navy, Kovach dedicated himself to serving fellow veterans.
He began his work with Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) as the government relations director in San Diego. Mr. Kovach served as PVA National President from 2014 to 2017. During his tenure, he testified before U.S. House and Senate Veterans Affairs Committees and frequently appeared in media to address key veterans’ issues.
Currently, Kovach serves as editor-in-chief for PVA Publications, overseeing Paraplegia News Magazine and Sports ‘N Spokes Magazine. He contributes op-eds on topics like research, health care, and sports for paralyzed veterans. Additionally, he advocates for veterans through film, serving as executive producer for Heroes Dive and collaborating with Echo Bravo Productions.
A Philadelphia native, Kovach attended Indiana University, where he was a competitive swimmer before joining the Navy in 1988. He now resides in Coronado, CA, with his wife, Magaly, and their two daughters.
Maria Arroyo, J.D.
PVA Cal-Diego
Maria Arroyo served as a Military Intelligence Officer during the Vietnam era. She attended Law School and earned her Juris Doctor degree at the University of San Diego. She was a Trial Attorney with the Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department in Washington DC, and then served 17 years as a federal prosecutor with the US Attorney's Office in San Diego. Her last five years, she was the first female Chief of the Criminal Division. She also served on the Juvenile Court bench for nine years until she retired in 2004 due to disability.
Maria founded two local charities, Juvenile Court Book Club, a literacy program for incarcerated youth, and Challenged Sailors San Diego.
Maria currently serves on the PVA Cal-Diego board representing women members and people living with MS. Her Multiple Sclerosis is service connected as her first symptoms occurred while on active duty. Ms. Arroyo’s life reflects a steadfast commitment to service, problem-solving, and community building.
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DAY
SPEAKERS
PARTICIPANTS
Agenda
MARCH 28, 2025
8:05 am
Opening Remarks / Breakfast - Henry York, M.D.
8:10 am
Lab Updates - Marc Hernaiz-Llorens, Ph.D.
8:30 am
Nanoparticle Delivery for Neural Repair - Ester Kwon, Ph.D.
9:00 am
Stem Cell Treatments for Neural Injury - Su-Chun Zhang, M.D. Ph.D.
9:45 am
Break
10:00 am
Advances in SCI Stem Cell Translation - Mark Tuszynski, M.D Ph.D.
10:50 am
PVA National Advocacy: Stem Cells and More - Heather Ansley, J.D.
11:40 am
Stem Cell Panel Discussion and Questions
12:00 pm
Lunch
1:00 pm
The Duane Norman Memorial Lecture
Diaphragmatic Pacing - Raymond Onders, M.D.
1:45 pm
Trauma Informed Care - Jeri Muse Ph.D., D.A.A.P.M.
2:30 pm
Break
2:45 pm
SCI in the Movies - Justin Roberts and Al Kovach
3:30 pm
Consumer Profiles in SCI - Maria Arroyo, J.D.
4:00 pm
Adjourn
Throughout the Day
(from 10:45 am)
Community Transition: Woodturning with Turn Around for Vets
The Venue
Admiral Baker Clubhouse
2400 Admiral Baker Road
San Diego, CA 92124
Admiral Baker Clubhouse in Mission Gorge offers panoramic views of the golf greens and San Diego river from the wide windows of its elegant California-style architecture. The Presidio Ballroom's chandeliers, soft arches, and dark wood beams will surround your event for up to 200 in elegance.
Our Sponsors
LEADING A PATHWAY TO THE FUTURE
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