Sarah Mattson

Sarah Mattson is a Professor of Psychology in the Department of Psychology within the College of Sciences at San Diego State University (SDSU). Her research focuses on the neuropsychological and behavioral effects of prenatal alcohol exposure, particularly on children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). Dr. Mattson has made significant contributions to the understanding of brain structure and function in children with FASD using advanced neuroimaging techniques such as MRI and fMRI.

Dr. Mattson earned her PhD from the SDSU/UCSD Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology in 1994, with a focus on neuropsychology. Her doctoral research examined the role of the basal ganglia in the behavioral teratogenicity of alcohol. She completed her MA and BS at the State University of New York at Albany, with her MA research focusing on the effects of amphetamine on active avoidance learning in rats prenatally exposed to alcohol.

Her research expertise spans Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, Verbal and Nonverbal Learning, Visuospatial Processing, Executive Functioning, Psychiatric Functioning, Attention, and advanced neuroimaging techniques including Structural and Functional MRI and Diffusion Tensor Imaging. Dr. Mattson's work has highlighted specific brain areas affected by prenatal alcohol exposure and the resulting neuropsychological consequences, establishing important connections between brain structure and behavioral changes. Her recent publications demonstrate continued innovation in developing screening tools and diagnostic criteria for FASD.

Dr. Mattson has received numerous accolades for her work, most recently being named the recipient of the Alumni Association Award for Outstanding Faculty Contributions to the University for 2025-2026. This prestigious award will be presented at the All-University Convocation in August 2025.

• Alumni Association Award for Outstanding Faculty Contributions to the University (2025-2026)

She has been actively involved in mentoring students and has contributed significantly to the field through her extensive publication record, with numerous articles in high-impact journals. Her research has been instrumental in developing screening tools and diagnostic criteria for fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, advancing both clinical practice and scientific understanding of these conditions.