J. Kent Werner

Dr. J. Kent Werner is an Associate Professor in the Department of Neurology at the Uniformed Services University (USU) in Bethesda, MD, and serves as an active-duty Commander in the U.S. Navy Medical Corps. He holds adjunct faculty status at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and directs research at the Walter Reed Sleep Disorders Center. His expertise includes sleep medicine, neurology, and traumatic brain injury (TBI) management.

Education:

• B.S. in Chemistry and Spanish from the United States Naval Academy (1997–2001)
• M.D. and Ph.D. in Neuroscience & Cellular/Molecular Medicine from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine (2003–2012)
• Medicine Internship and Neurology Residency at Johns Hopkins SOM (2012–2016)
• Fellowship in Sleep Medicine at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) (2018–2019)

Research focuses on TBI’s impact on sleep physiology, glymphatic system dynamics, and neurodegenerative biomarkers. He explores therapeutic strategies for TBI-related neurological disorders and sleep disturbances. His work integrates molecular, electrophysiological, and clinical approaches to understand brain injury mechanisms.

Scientific Awards:

• American Academy of Sleep Medicine Annual Investigator Award (2020)
• First Place, Johns Hopkins Sleep and Circadian Research Day Poster Competition (2019)
• Joint Service Commendation Medal (2018)
• Johns Hopkins Neurology 'Brain Award' for Teaching (2014)
• Dr. Harold Lamport Medical Research Scholar Award (2006)
• Howard Hughes Medical Institute Research Fellowship Award (2005)

Advising/Grants: While no formal advisees are listed, Dr. Werner has contributed to training through his teaching roles and clinical mentorship. His research has been supported by the Department of Veterans Affairs (HSR&D Mild TBI Diag. and Treatment) and the Combat Casualty Care Research Program (CENC).

Labs/Teams: Directs research at the Walter Reed Sleep Disorders Center and collaborates with the National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE) on TBI-related studies. Previously served as Chief of Neurology at Fort Belvoir Community Hospital.