Shekar N. Kurpad

Shekar N. Kurpad, MD, PhD, is a Professor and Senior Associate Dean of Neuroscience at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW). He serves as Founding Director of the Wisconsin Institute of NeuroScience (WINS) and holds adjunct appointments at Marquette University and MCW's Department of Cell Biology. Board-certified in Neurological Surgery, his clinical expertise spans spinal trauma, tumors of the spine and spinal cord, degenerative spine disorders, and minimally invasive spinal techniques. His research focuses on spinal cord injury mechanisms, imaging biomarkers, and translational stem cell therapies, with $6M+ in extramural grants. Key roles include leadership in the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS), AO Spine Knowledge Forum, and international neurosurgical organizations. He has authored over 140 peer-reviewed publications and serves on multiple editorial boards.

Education: MD from Bangalore University (1991), PhD from Duke University (1995), neurosurgery residency at University Hospitals of Cleveland (1995–2001). Post-doctoral fellowships included spinal surgery at MCW and skull base surgery at the University of Tennessee. Notable honors include the Distinguished E. Harry Botterell Professorship (2015) and Van Wagenen Fellowship (AAENS).

Research highlights include $1.7M in current grants from VA, Rick Hansen, and Craig Nielsen Foundations. His patented diffusion tensor imaging algorithm (2012) advances spinal cord injury diagnostics. Mentorship spans medical students, residents, and postdoctoral fellows in neurosurgery and neuroscience. Leadership roles include Chair of CNS International Division and membership in AANS/CNS Neurotrauma Section.

• Key Appointments: MCW Neurosurgery Department Chair (2002–present), Zablocki VA Medical Center Neurosurgery Chief (2002–2015)
• Grants: Over $6M secured since 2006 from NIH, VA, and private foundations
• Endowments: Established $1M spinal cord injury fund via Bryon Riesch Paralysis Foundation
• Organizations: Fellow of AANS, Honorary Life Member of Neurological Society of India