Nervous system injuries can be catastrophic health events resulting in enormous human and economic costs. Our lab is addressing both the repair of spinal cord injuries and peripheral nerve injuries, using tissue engineering principles. A cellular component is added to polymer constructs with multi-channel architecture, along with appropriate growth factors which support the regenerating axon and provide directional guidance. To restore function, Schwann cells are being used in the transected peripheral nerve model while neural stem cells are being used in both the transected spinal cord model and peripheral nerve models. Prior to implantation, the neural stem cells are stimulated to differentiate and the neuritic processes are aligned.