He is the Director of the Institute for Accessible Science (IAS), which promotes greater inclusion of persons with disabilities in science and engineering. Dr. Duerstock is a member of the Center for Paralysis Research (CPR) in the College of Veterinary Medicine where he holds a courtesy appointment. He received his bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering and doctorate in neurobiology from Purdue. His research interests focus on restoring function to individuals with disabilities through the development of assistive technologies and conducting basic and applied research in central nervous system trauma. In 2010, he received the NIH Director’s Pathfinder Award.