Jennifer M. Connelly

Jennifer M. Connelly, MD is a Professor of Neurology at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW), specializing in Neuro-Oncology. She serves as Co-Director of the Neuro-Oncology Program and CNS DOT Chair at Froedtert Cancer Center. Dr. Connelly is board certified in Internal Medicine, Neurology, and Neuro-Oncology, with clinical expertise in brain tumors, metastases to the nervous system, neurofibromatosis, and neurologic complications of cancer therapies.

Dr. Connelly received her MD from the Medical College of Wisconsin in 2003 and completed her combined Internal Medicine-Neurology residency and Neuro-Oncology fellowship at MCW-affiliated hospitals. A native of the Milwaukee area, she has built her entire academic career at MCW, progressing from Instructor (2008-2009) to Assistant Professor (2009-2014), Associate Professor (2014-2022), and ultimately Professor (2022-present).

Her research focuses on molecular pathology and advanced MRI imaging techniques for diagnosing and treating brain and spinal cord tumors. Dr. Connelly's work centers on radio-pathomic mapping, glioma invasion beyond traditional MRI-defined margins, and novel therapeutic approaches for treatment-resistant glioblastoma. She has pioneered the development of fractional brain tumor burden mapping and has conducted significant research on gallium maltolate as a potential treatment for glioblastoma. Her holistic patient-centered approach emphasizes not only tumor management and life prolongation but also maintaining quality of life.

Analysis of Dr. Connelly's recent publications reveals a strong focus on integrating advanced imaging techniques with tumor biology to improve diagnosis, treatment planning, and outcome prediction in neuro-oncology. Her work spans radio-pathomic mapping, glioma invasion patterns, novel therapeutics like gallium maltolate, and optimization of radiation therapy approaches, demonstrating a consistent commitment to translating research into clinical practice.

• Top Doctors 2023 Award, Milwaukee Magazine
• Distinguished Alumna of the Year Award - College of Engineering, Marquette University (2023)
• Lee A. Biblo Excellence in Professionalism Award (2022)
• Medical College of Wisconsin Outstanding Medical Student Teaching Award (multiple years)
• Edward J. Lennon Endowed Clinical Teaching Award
• Young Alumna of the Year Award - College of Engineering, Marquette University (2014)

Dr. Connelly has been instrumental in developing educational programs for residents and medical students, including "Card Rounds" and "Neuropictionary." She established the inpatient neuro-oncology consult service and developed the first community-based neuro-oncology clinic at Menomonee Falls. As Co-Director of the Neuro-Oncology Program, she leads the weekly Brain Tumor Board where cases are documented in real-time in the EMR. Dr. Connelly also created a comprehensive Glioma Database containing treatment histories and outcomes for nearly 900 patients.

Her laboratory and research team work within the Wisconsin Institute of Neuroscience (WINS) and collaborate extensively with the MCW Cancer Center. Current research focuses on radio-pathomic mapping, gallium maltolate efficacy, and advanced imaging techniques to identify tumor invasion beyond traditional MRI-defined margins. Dr. Connelly serves as Neuro-oncology Fellowship Program Director and continues to expand her research into novel therapeutic approaches for treatment-resistant brain tumors.