About
Aleister Saunders’ research focuses on identifying and characterizing genes and pathways involved in Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis. Utilizing a variety of AD models, his work has been funded by NIH, NSF, and foundations. As Drexel’s Executive Vice Provost for Research & Innovation, Dr. Saunders has provided University-level research and innovation leadership since 2014. He is principally responsible for helping Drexel University achieve Carnegie Classification as a “Very High Research Activity” (R1) institution, first attained in 2018 and reaffirmed in 2022. In 2020, Drexel also achieved recognition as the top-ranked mid-sized University for Innovation impact. Aleister oversees Drexel's successful collaboration with MIT to win and manage the Manufacturing USA institute Advanced Functional Fabrics of America. Regionally, Aleister has facilitated Drexel’s academic/industrial partnership with Spark Therapeutics to create a state-of-the-art gene therapy facility on Drexel’s campus. He also manages Drexel’s response to federal regulations related to undue foreign influence while maintaining academic freedom.