Sarah F. Muldoon
University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Amherst College
Papers
3
Total Citations
31
H-Index
2
About
Sarah F. Muldoon is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of neuroscience, human factors, and surgical training, with a primary focus on understanding the neural underpinnings of trust and skill acquisition in robot-assisted surgery (RAS). Her major contributions involve using functional brain imaging to quantify dynamic brain states—such as stress, mental workload, frustration, and modularity—that distinguish trustworthy from concerning surgical performances. By identifying these predictive neural features, Muldoon has opened new avenues for objective, real-time assessment of mentor-trainee trust and cognitive load during complex procedures. Her most cited work, “Functional Brain States Measure Mentor-Trainee Trust during Robot-Assisted Surgery” (2018, 25 citations), demonstrates how mutual trust, often subjective, can be mapped onto measurable brain activity. This research has direct implications for improving surgical team dynamics, enhancing simulation-based training, and ultimately patient safety. Muldoon’s work bridges cognitive neuroscience and surgical education, offering a data-driven framework to forge more effective training protocols and evaluate skill retention. Her innovative approach positions her as a leading voice in neuroergonomics and the future of precision surgical mentorship.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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