Hillary Schwarb

Memory is foundational to the human experience and, in many ways, governs how we interact with the world and shapes our identities. Dr. Schwarb's current research is dedicated at understanding the structure and function of the hippocampus (a part of the brain that is essential for supporting memory) and related memory-network structures and how this system is altered under various typical and pathological conditions. Her current research program has two related focuses: One basic and the other applied. The basic science focus seeks to investigate the organization of human memory and to identify the ways in which that organization biases behavior. This work has been foundational in driving her applied research focus which seeks to both develop sensitive behavioral measures of human learning and memory and to apply sensitive neuroimaging tools to promote early detection of atypical memory concerns as well as track changes in both memory outcomes and the integrity of its supporting brain structures. She currently apply this approach of combining creative behavioral paradigms with multiple, complementary neuroimaging techniques to patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, as well as healthy aging and mild cognitive impairment.