Xuejun Wen, M.D., Ph.D., holds tenure-track assistant professor positions in the Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, and the Department of Cell Biology & Anatomy at the Medical University of South Carolina. Dr. Wen obtained a Medical Doctor (M.D.) degree in medicine in 1994, a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in biomedical materials in 2000 from the University of Cincinnati in Ohio, and a Ph.D. degree in Neuronal Tissue Engineering in 2003 from the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, Utah. He possesses background combining materials science and engineering, medicine, molecular, cellular, and tissue engineering, and stem cell biology. In particular, he has unique expertise dedicated to tissue-engineered biomedical device design and functional optimization adaptable for a variety of therapeutic interventions. By engineering non-degradable, biodegradable, and biological interactive materials with cells or tissue, Dr. Wen has successfully designed, constructed, and tailored the properties of neuronal bridging devices, cell-encapsulating devices, drug delivery vehicles, nano-scale and micron-scale drug carriers, intraocular and inner ear long-term delivery devices, and middle ear ventilation devices that are aimed at treating a wide range of diseases clinically. His central area of expertise resides in the CNS nerve tract repair based upon the development of a neuronal bridging device that combines cells with a biomaterial scaffold of a multi-filament entubulation configuration that facilitates CNS axonal regeneration. In order to enhance the efficacy of cell transplantation therapy for the treatment of nervous system disorders, he firstly proposed the concept of space creation to create a scar-free space in the host tissue prior to the transplantation of functional cells. His current research is focused on manipulations and transplantation of embryonic and adult stem cells for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.