ECRC Webinar Series covered a broad range of topics for Early Career Researcher and Clinician Spinal Cord Injury Professionals.
2025 ECRC Industry Collaborations Webinar Series
Part 1: Robotic Exoskeletons | April 25th, 2025
This session explored the clinical translation of robotic exoskeletons, with a focus on collaboration between engineers, clinicians, and industry leaders. Presenters from Wandercraft discussed ongoing clinical trials, the pathway to market, and key considerations for payer access.
Presenters:
Josh Breighner, PT, DPT, is the Reimbursement, Access, and Policy Manager for Wandercraft. He focuses on demonstrating the value of and improving patient access to innovative robotic exoskeleton technology. As a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy, he believes strongly in the role of advanced technology in enhancing neurological rehabilitation. His transition to a “non-clinical” role has enabled him to apply his clinical and research experiences to the rapidly evolving exoskeleton industry, ensuring that this technology reaches those who need it most, while still keeping close ties to clinical practice. Additionally, Josh is the owner of Walk in New York by Wandercraft, a physical therapy practice in New York, NY. This practice utilizes Wandercraft’s innovative rehabilitation exoskeleton, Atalante X, as well as other advanced technologies, to improve patient outcomes.
Laure Bouché : As clinical engineer at Wandercraft, her role is to contribute to the design and execution of clinical studies essential for the deployment of Wandercraft’s exoskeletons. She initially worked on Atalante—Wandercraft’s rehabilitation exoskeleton, already in use in Europe and the U.S.—where efforts are focused on expanding its indications and demonstrating clinical benefits through the first randomized controlled trials. Now, she is also involved in the development of the Personal Exoskeleton, aiming to secure FDA clearance for individuals with spinal cord injuries at or above T6, as an initial indication. Before joining Wandercraft, she completed an engineering degree in France, with a specialization in biomedical sciences.
Part 2: Spinal Cord Stimulation | May 30th, 2025
In this session, Onward highlighted the collaboration between scientists and clinicians in the development of non-invasive spinal cord stimulation devices. Presenters shared insights from early trials and lessons learned as they navigate the clinical translation process.
Presenters:
Kristen Gelenitis
Kristen received her PhD in Biomedical Engineering from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland OH, where her research focused on implanted neural stimulation systems and their use for improving exercise outcomes following spinal cord injury. In her current role as Clinical Science Manager at ONWARD Medical, Kristen uses her engineering and research background to support the strategic design and analysis of clinical trials involving novel neurotechnologies – namely ONWARD’s ARC-EX and ARC-IM spinal cord stimulation systems. Her work involves close collaboration with thought-leaders in academic and rehabilitation settings to gather scientific input and ensure their expertise guides translation of ONWARD’s technologies
Maryleen “Mary”K. Jones
Maryleen is an Assistant Professor at Governors State University, where she teaches Neuroscience Therapeutics and Integrated Research coursework. Mary, additionally, serves as the clinical director at Next Steps Chicago of the O’Connor Foundation in Willow Springs, IL. Mary is a Board Certified Neurologic Specialist with 20+ years of practice. Mary received her Master of Physical Therapy Degree from Governors State University and her Doctor of Health Science degree from the University of Indianapolis. Mary’s line of research inquiry involves the clinical application of transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation, accessibility facilitators and barriers for persons with disabilities, and application of the movement systems approach in physical therapy curricula and practice. Mary is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, a member of the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy, and the Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy, where she serves on the Movement Systems Approach Application Task Force. Additionally, Mary serves on the Board of Directors for the Illinois Physical Therapy Foundation, where her work involves advocacy for engagement and facilitation of the implementation of evidence-based practice and student-to-student scholarship. Mary is also a member of the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine and is a member of the Spinal Cord Injury and Stroke special interest groups.
Gretchen Nelson
Gretchen holds a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior from the University of California, Davis. With a 23-year career spanning both research and sales roles in major healthcare companies, she brings a wealth of experience to the field. Currently serving as the Senior Director of Clinical Operations at ONWARD Medical, Gretchen leads the development and execution of clinical study programs. In this role, she plays a pivotal part in generating clinical evidence to support the efficacy and safety of ONWARD Medical’s innovative technologies.
Mark Pedziwiatr
Mark earned his Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Midwestern University, where he conducted research on rehabilitation technology. As an occupational therapist, he brings experience across the continuum of care, including outpatient, inpatient, and acute-care settings. In his current role as a Therapy Consultant with ONWARD Medical, Mark leverages his clinical experience to support the integration and training of therapists in the use of ARC-EX within spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation clinics across the Upper Midwest.
Focusing on Liberate Medical, this session highlighted collaborative efforts to improve pulmonary care for SCI patients. Presenters discussed their non-invasive VentFree Muscle Stimulator, designed to prevent muscle atrophy and reduce ventilator dependency in adults requiring mechanical ventilation.
Presenters:
Euan McCaughey
Euan McCaughey (MEng, PhD, CEng) completed his PhD at the University of Glasgow in 2014, focusing on the use of Abdominal Functional Electrical Stimulation (Abdominal FES) to improve respiratory function after spinal cord injury. He subsequently worked at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, and Macquarie University, Sydney, before joining Neuroscience Research Australia in 2017. Euan developed his own lab in Sydney before returning to Glasgow where he now serves as the A/Director of Research for the Queen Elizabeth National Spinal Injuries Unit.
Euan’s interest lie in undertaking clinical trials to prove the effectiveness of protocols or technologies designed to improve outcomes for those living with an illness or disability. He has a particular interest in the use of Abdominal Functional Electrical Stimulation (Abdominal FES) to improve respiratory and bowel function, especially for people living with a spinal cord injury. This technology has now been commercialised by Liberate Medical, with Euan working as a consultant for this company. His expertise in the area of spinal cord injury has seen him appointed to the Editorial Board of Spinal Cord, the leading dedicated spinal cord injuries journal.
Angus McLachlan
Dr. McLachlan co-founded Liberate Medical and has served as a member of its board of directors and its Chief Executive Officer since 2013. From 2014 to 2016, he also served as the Director for Device Integration and Strategy for Revon Systems. Dr. McLachlan completed his doctoral research on Liberate Medical’s proprietary electrical muscle stimulation technology and was responsible for the initial product development of VentFree and SecondBreath, which led to the technology being spun out of Apellis Pharmaceuticals. He is co-inventor on all of Liberate Medical’s patents and has authored several important publications in the field of abdominal functional electrical stimulation. Dr. McLachlan received his M.Eng. in Mechanical Engineering and his Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Glasgow, Scotland.
Senen Pena, MD, MBA
Senen Pena, MD, MBA, is an experienced clinical research operations leader based in Louisville, Kentucky. Drawing from his diverse background as a practicing physician in Cuba and Venezuela, academic researcher, and industry professional, Senen brings over a decade of global expertise in managing innovative and successful clinical trials across the U.S., Europe, and Australia. As the Director of Clinical Operations at Liberate Medical, he is successfully leading the operational aspects of the PREVENT study, coordinating multi-country regulatory submissions, and implementing advanced digital tools to streamline trial processes. Passionate about translating rigorous scientific research into tangible healthcare solutions, Senen combines his clinical, academic, and business expertise to foster cross-functional collaboration and drive impactful outcomes.
Part 4: Gene and Cell Therapies | October 3rd, 2025
This session explored the clinical translation of gene and cell therapies. Presenters from Inteligex Inc. and the Mayo Clinic discussed the critical role of collaboration between clinical and scientific teams in developing therapies like autologous neuron replacement and regenerative stem cell treatments for SCI.
Presenters:
Michael G. Fehlings MD PhD FRCSC FACS FRSC FCAHS
Dr. Fehlings is a Professor of Neurosurgery at the University of Toronto and a Consulting Neurosurgeon at Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network. Dr. Fehlings holds the Robert Campeau Family Foundation / Dr. C.H. Tator Chair in Brain and Spinal Cord Research at UHN, is Co-Director of the University of Toronto Spine Program, is a Senior Scientist at the Krembil Brain Institute and is Editor-in-Chief of Spinal Cord. He combines an active clinical practice in complex spinal surgery with a translationally oriented research program focused on discovering novel treatments to improve functional outcomes following spinal cord injury (SCI). Dr. Fehlings is currently focused on developing bioengineered human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural progenitor cells that target unique injury characteristics within the injured spinal cord. His research in this area has led to numerous high-impact publications demonstrating promising functional recovery in preclinical SCI models. Dr. Fehlings is the Founder and President of Inteligex Inc., a biotechnology start-up company tasked with the clinical translation and commercialization of this exciting technology. Based on over two decades of research, Inteligex’s stem cell platform can be personalized to target both acute and chronic SCI, as well as a number of other conditions that impact the central nervous system. Dr. Fehlings has received numerous prestigious recognitions, including appointment to the Royal Society of Canada and, most recently, the King Charles III Coronation Medal in acknowledgment of his major contributions to medicine and science.
Kassandra Poffenberger
Kassandra Poffenberger is an Advanced Biomanufacturing Engineer II at Mayo Clinic’s Center for Regenerative Biotherapeutics. In this role, she conducts hands-on training for new manufacturing staff and supports the development and organization of didactic materials for Mayo Clinic’s Cell Therapy Fellowship. The Center for Regenerative Biotherapeutics aims to accelerate the clinical translation of innovative biotherapeutics into early-phase trials. The Cell Therapy Fellowship is designed to prepare the next generation of leaders in cell therapy by providing experience in quality systems, Investigational New Drug (IND) development, clinical laboratory management, and current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) requirements.
Presenters:
Marc DePaul, PhD, Director of Research and NVG-291 Project Leader
Dr. Marc DePaul is the Director of Research at NervGen Pharma Corp. With over 15 years of experience in regenerative medicine, his work is dedicated to developing therapeutics that enhance nervous system repair by promoting plasticity, regeneration, and remyelination following injury or disease. His industry background is rooted in the preclinical development of cellular therapies for spinal cord injury, with experience as a Preclinical Scientist at Neurona Therapeutics and through a key scientific collaboration with Athersys Inc.
In his current role, Dr. DePaul directs the preclinical development for NervGen's lead compound, NVG-291, for use in nerve repair applications. He earned his Ph.D. in Neuroscience and continued as a Postdoctoral Scholar at Case Western Reserve University, where his research was central to the development of the foundational technology upon which NervGen’s platform is built.
Adam Rogers, MD, Chair, Interim Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Adam Rogers was the Interim President of NervGen Pharma Corp. from September 2022 to April 2023 and is a Principal of Boston-based PFP Biosciences Holdings and is a board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in diseases and surgery of the retina and vitreous. Dr. Rogers co-founded Hemera Biosciences in 2010, a clinical stage gene therapy biotech company targeting dry age-related macular degeneration. He assumed the role of CEO in 2017 and oversaw all aspects of the company until the Hemera assets were acquired in December 2020 by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson.
From 2001 to 2020 he served as an Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at the New England Eye Center of Tufts Medical Center (Boston, MA). Dr. Rogers has published 29 articles in peer reviewed journals and co-authored two textbooks and numerous chapters in major ophthalmic textbooks. Since 2007 he has served on the board of One Family Inc., an organization whose mission is to end homelessness in Massachusetts. He is a member of the Emory University Board of Trustees. Dr. Rogers has a MD from Emory College and Emory School of Medicine.
2024 ECRC “Meet the Funders” Webinar Series
Note: “Meet the Funders” webinar recordings are not publicly available!
A five-part live webinar series that provided an overview of spinal cord injury (SCI)-related funding opportunities and tips for a successful application.
Click here for the 2024 Meet the Funders ECRC Webinar Series Presentations (PDF)
2021 & 2022 ECRC Varied Topic Webinars
Click here for all ECRC Recorded Webinars
Archived SCI (ASIA & Steel Assembly Pediatric) Webinars are available here in the e-Learning center.
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ASIA ECRC 2025 Industry Collaborations Webinar Series Disclaimer The American Spinal Injury Association (“ASIA”) has made this webinar available to provide information to the spinal cord injury community in accordance with its mission. Reference in this webinar to any product or service does not constitute or imply an ASIA endorsement or recommendation of any company or such product or service. While ASIA has made every effort to include accurate information in the webinar, ASIA has not investigated or tested any of the products or services mentioned in the webinar, and it does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, efficacy, or timeliness of such information, products, or services. ASIA is not responsible for, and expressly disclaims all liability for, any damage, injury or other loss of any kind arising out of use of or reliance on such information, products, or services, or any defect in or failure of any product or service or any misrepresentation or omission made in connection with such product or service. No guarantees or warranties, including (but not limited to) any express or implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular use or purpose, are made by ASIA. |
