Max O. Krucoff

Dr. Max O. Krucoff is an Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery and Biomedical Engineering at the Medical College of Wisconsin and Marquette University, where he serves as Director of Neurosurgical Oncology. He is a board-certified neurosurgeon-scientist specializing in brain tumor surgery with a focus on preserving critical neurological functions during operations.

Dr. Krucoff earned his BS in Biomedical Engineering from Northwestern University and his MD from George Washington University School of Medicine. He completed his neurosurgical residency at Duke University Medical Center followed by a fellowship in functional epilepsy surgery at UCSF. His educational journey reflects a strong foundation in both engineering and medicine, positioning him uniquely at the intersection of these disciplines.

Dr. Krucoff's research focuses on neuroplasticity and neural interfaces, particularly examining how the brain reorganizes in response to tumors and surgical interventions. His laboratory at Marquette University studies motor system neurophysiology using fully implanted neural interfaces with the goal of improving neurological recovery from tumors, strokes, traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord injury. His work integrates electrophysiological biomarkers with advanced imaging techniques to better understand brain function and plasticity.

His extensive publication record demonstrates a strong focus on glioma surgery outcomes, tumor mapping beyond visible margins, and the relationship between brain plasticity and functional preservation. The research shows increasing sophistication in combining radiomics, pathology, and functional data to create comprehensive tumor maps that guide surgical decision-making and predict outcomes.

• Surgical Excellence Award as chief resident
• Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) medical honor society
• Robert J. Lefkowitz Society for physician-scientists
• Tau Beta Pi (TBP) engineering honor society
• American Academy of Neurology Medical Student Research Scholarship
• Milwaukee Business Journal 40-Under-40 winner (2024)

Dr. Krucoff mentors multiple medical students, postdoctoral researchers, and clinical coordinators in his lab. His research is supported by collaborations with institutions worldwide and partnerships with companies like NeuroPace. His current projects include investigating neural plasticity during tumor resection, identifying electrophysiological biomarkers of brain plasticity, examining cortical stimulation parameters, and conducting spinal cord stimulation trials for chronic spinal cord injury rehabilitation.

The Krucoff Laboratory at Marquette University partners with clinicians and scientists globally to study human motor systems physiology. The lab collaborates with the Integrative Neural Engineering & Rehabilitation Laboratory at Marquette, the Laboratory of Neuromodulation & Neuroimaging at UCLA, the Slutzky Neuroprosthetics Laboratory at Northwestern, and other international research groups to expand understanding of brain function and improve outcomes for patients with central nervous system injuries.