Christine Swanson Fischer
About Christine Swanson Fischer
Christine Swanson Fischer is a Health Science Administrator and Program Director at The National Institutes of Health, where she manages research grants and leads programs focused on Parkinson's Disease. She holds a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and has extensive experience in academic and research settings.
Current Role at National Institutes of Health
Christine Swanson Fischer serves as a Health Science Administrator (Program Director) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). She has been in this role since 2023. In her position, she manages a portfolio of research grants and cooperative agreements within the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). She leads data and biomarker-focused programs that specifically target Parkinson's Disease and related disorders, contributing to the advancement of research in these critical areas.
Previous Experience in Academia
Prior to her current role, Christine Swanson Fischer held various positions in academia. She worked as a Research Assistant and Teaching Assistant at the University of Massachusetts Amherst from 2006 to 2007. She then served as a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Neurology at the University of Pennsylvania from 2012 to 2015. Additionally, she was a Ph.D. Candidate in Neuroscience at the University of Wisconsin-Madison from 2007 to 2012, where she also worked as a Research Assistant and Student Research Assistant.
Educational Background
Christine Swanson Fischer earned her Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.Sc.) in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, completing her studies from 2003 to 2006. She then pursued a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Neuroscience at the same institution from 2007 to 2012. Her educational background provides a strong foundation for her work in health science administration and research.
Professional Development at National Institutes of Health
Before her current role as Program Director, Christine Swanson Fischer worked at the National Institutes of Health as a Program Analyst from 2015 to 2019. This experience allowed her to develop expertise in managing research programs and grants, which she continues to apply in her current position. Her progression within NIH reflects her commitment to advancing health science and research initiatives.