Gliner, Bradford E.

2004 Young Alumni Achievement Award

In recognition of contributions to the development of the world’s first portable, automatic external defibrillator.

Bradford Gliner has been the head of research for Northstar Neuroscience, Inc., since it’s founding in 1999.  Northstar is a medical device company committed to developing innovative medical technologies that restore function and quality of life for people suffering from neurological diseases and disorders. The Company's technology platforms address neurological impairment and are based on an innovative application of electrical therapies to treat diseases and disorders that affect the nervous system.

Prior to joining Northstar Neuroscience, Gliner co-founded Heartstream, Inc. in 1992.  At Heartstream, he designed and clinically validated a more effective method of cardiac defibrillation, for which he has been issued 26 patents. Heartstream’s Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) are now commonplace as first-aid equipment in public settings.  After Hewlett-Packard acquired Heartstream in 1998, Gliner served as director of research for Hewlett-Packard's Cardiology Products Division. While at the Johns Hopkins University and Physio-Control Corporation, Gliner also directed electrical therapy research in collaboration with international academic and clinical researchers. His expertise on the various factors influencing defibrillation success and publications in leading journals has earned him considerable respect in the field of electrical stimulation. Gliner received a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from the University of Illinois and a master's degree in biomedical engineering from Johns Hopkins University.