Dr. Leifer's research currently focuses on development of therapies for acute stroke, for prevention of recurrent stroke, and for rehabilitation after stroke and on functional MRI studies of brain activity during recovery from stroke. His research interests also include the roles of adhesion molecules and tissue-specific transcription factors in neuronal differentiation and regeneration and immunohistochemical studies of stroke and other neurological diseases. In addition, Dr. Leifer serves as an advisor to the New York State Department of Health and the American Heart Association on the development of guidelines for the certification of stroke centers and on the evaluation of stroke center performance.