Progress in SCI Research: Part 2 - Dr. Ann Parr

We proudly present Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Ann Parr from the University of Minnesota!

Dr. Parr received both her undergraduate degree and medical degree from Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario. She then completed her PhD studies in neural stem cell transplantation for spinal cord injury during neurosurgical residency at the University of Toronto. During this time she was affiliated with the Institute of Medical Science and the Clinical Investigator Program. She then received further training in complex spine at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, FL. After her training Dr. Parr came to the University of Minnesota where she is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Neurosurgery, as well as the Vice Chair of Research, Medical Director for Spine, Neurotrauma Systemwide Program Lead, and Principal Investigator of the Parr Lab at the Stem Cell Institute. She is Past-Chair of both the Minnesota Neurosurgical Society and the Section for Women in Neurosurgery, a Joint Section of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons.

Dr. Parr is a Board Certified Neurosurgeon and interested in finding new therapies for spinal cord injury. She is also a faculty member in the Graduate Program in Neuroscience and the Stem Cell Institute. Dr. Parr's research centers on transplanting neural stem cells grown from a patient's own skin into the injured spinal cord. She has an active translational research laboratory, and is interested in examining mechanisms of functional recovery using techniques such as histology and immunohistochemistry, cell culture, optogenetics and animal modeling.

Special thanks to Dr. Ann Parr for being our guest! This production is a collaborative effort of volunteers working to create a quality audio experience around the subject of spinal cord injury. A special shout out of appreciation to Clientek for providing studio space and top-notch recording equipment. Most importantly, thank YOU for being part of the Spinal Cast audience!

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Thanks for listening!