Sara J. Swanson

Dr. Sara J. Swanson is a Professor and Division Chief of Neuropsychology in the Department of Neurology at the Medical College of Wisconsin. She also holds adjunct appointments as an Associate Professor in the Psychology Department at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and as a Clinical Associate Professor in the Psychology Department at Marquette University. Dr. Swanson is a Clinical Neuropsychologist at Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital and St. Luke's Medical Center, and she is a member of both the Neuroscience Research Center and the Wisconsin Institute of NeuroScience (WINS).

Dr. Swanson's research primarily focuses on the neuropsychology of epilepsy, with special emphasis on presurgical evaluation using functional MRI and Wada testing. Her work examines language lateralization, memory assessment, and cognitive outcomes following epilepsy surgery. She has been involved in numerous multicenter collaborations, particularly through the FMRI in Anterior Temporal Epilepsy Surgery (FATES) Study group. Her research has significant clinical implications for improving surgical outcomes and understanding brain-behavior relationships in epilepsy patients.

Analysis of Dr. Swanson's recent publications (2020-2025) reveals a continued focus on predicting cognitive outcomes following epilepsy surgery using advanced neuroimaging techniques. Her work increasingly incorporates multicenter data collection and standardized assessment protocols. Key themes include the relationship between fMRI findings and postoperative naming/memory outcomes, application of standardized cognitive classification systems to epilepsy, and exploration of novel approaches to neuromodulation therapies.

• Outstanding Teachers for 2008-2009, Medical College of Wisconsin
• Senior Female Faculty Pin Ceremony
• Fellow, Division 40 of the American Psychological Association
• Alumni Merit Scholarship, Washington State University
• Paul Dupertuis Scholarship, Washington State University
• Women of Achievement Award, Washington State University

Dr. Swanson has mentored over 20 postdoctoral researchers and graduate students throughout her career, including Julie Janecek, David Sabsevitz, and Bradley Anderson. She has served as Faculty Sponsor for multiple Epilepsy Foundation of America Behavioral Science Student Fellowships and has been involved in numerous NIH-funded and foundation-supported research projects. Her leadership extends to serving on the Board of Directors for the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology and the American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology, as well as participating in national guideline development for the use of fMRI in epilepsy surgery evaluation.

As Division Chief of Neuropsychology, Dr. Swanson oversees the Adult Neuropsychological Services within the Adult Comprehensive Epilepsy Program. She has developed clinical protocols for neuropsychological evaluation of epilepsy surgery candidates, including testing protocols, lateralization ratings, and Wada examination procedures. Her work bridges clinical practice and research, ensuring that advances in neuropsychological assessment directly inform patient care.