Sarah Maxwell

Sarah Maxwell is an Assistant Provost and Professor at the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD), with joint appointments in Public Health, Public Policy, and Public & Nonprofit Management. She holds a PhD in Public Policy from George Mason University (2004), an M.A. in Mass Communications from the University of Denver (1994), and a B.S. in Psychology from Colorado State University (1990).

Her research focuses on tick-borne diseases (especially Lyme disease), infectious disease surveillance in vulnerable populations, and public health policy. She has pioneered multi-modal surveillance methods using spatial analysis, canine serology, and patient self-reports to improve risk assessments in ecologically diverse regions like Texas. Key contributions include developing county-level data guides and educational campaigns for tick-borne diseases.

Dr. Maxwell has received numerous teaching awards, including the EPPS Comet Awards (2011–2015) and recognition for multicultural education. She leads UT Dallas’ Office of Community College Relations and serves as a Faculty Affiliate at Boston University’s Laboratory for Human Neurobiology and Research Affiliate at George Mason University’s Center for Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy. Her grants include funding from the Rita & Alex Hillman Foundation and the Lyme Disease Association.

She actively contributes to policy through roles such as Member of the Texas Lyme Alliance Scientific Board and collaborates with organizations like the Integrate, Communicate, Inform (ICI)-Vector-Borne Disease Working Group. Her service extends to university governance, including roles as Associate Dean of Undergraduate Education and member of over 30 committees addressing teaching, research, and student success.