Aaron J. Kowalski, PhD, was recently named president and chief executive officer of JDRF. He was previously the organization’s chief mission officer and served as a key link between JDRF and the greater diabetes community, leading JDRF’s research, advocacy, and mission groups. He earned his doctorate in molecular genetics from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, N.J., and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.
Dr. Kowalski combines his professional experience as a scientist with his personal experience of living with type 1 diabetes for more than 35 years to help guide and champion JDRF’s research funding and programs focused on creating a world without type 1 diabetes. An internationally recognized expert on type 1 diabetes, he co-developed and led the JDRF Artificial Pancreas Research Project, a multi-million-dollar initiative that began in 2005 to accelerate progress toward development of automated insulin delivery systems.
Dr. Kowalski has authored numerous research articles and was a co-author of the landmark study in the New England Journal of Medicine that revealed the effectiveness of continuous glucose monitoring in type 1 diabetes management. He has traveled and spoken globally about diabetes research progress and is known for his ability to translate science into easily understandable concepts. He has presented at many national and international scientific conferences and has also been a voice for diabetes research in the popular media, appearing on “The Martha Stewart Show,” “dLife,” “Fox Business,” and National Public Radio programs, among others. He is often quoted in the print media, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and People magazine.
A highly recognized member of the diabetes online community, Dr. Kowalski often speaks about the importance of exercise in improving diabetes management. While living with type 1 diabetes, he has completed 20 marathons. On Twitter, he often tweets (@aaronjkowalski) about how all people with type 1 diabetes can live their lives without limits.
Diabetes Spectrum associate editor Jane Jeffrie Seley, DNP, MSN, MPH, GNP, RN, BC-ADM, CDE, CDTC, FAADE, FAAN, coordinated this From Research to Practice section.
