Dr. Larry W. Swanson is a distinguished neuroscientist whose career has spanned several decades of groundbreaking research in brain structure and function. He currently holds the prestigious Milo Don and Lucille Appleman Professorship in Biological Sciences at the University of Southern California where he also serves as Professor of Biological Sciences and Psychology. After earning his bachelor's degree in chemistry from Pomona College in 1968, he pursued doctoral studies at Washington University, receiving his PhD in Neurobiology in 1972. His early career included formative postdoctoral work with W. Maxwell Cowan at Washington University School of Medicine and research with Nobel Laureate Rita Levi-Montalcini, before he established himself at the University of Washington, The Salk Institute, and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, ultimately joining USC in 1990.
Dr. Swanson's pioneering research has fundamentally advanced our understanding of the structural organization of mammalian brain networks that govern motivated and emotional behaviors. His seminal work on the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus provided the first detailed model explaining how this structure controls both metabolism and eating behavior as well as body water regulation and drinking behavior. He is perhaps best known for authoring the influential reference works 'Brain Maps: Structure of the Rat Brain' (1992) and 'Brain Maps: Computer Graphics Files' (1993), which established standardized frameworks for neuroanatomical research. His characterization of the hypothalamic-midbrain behavior control column at the top of the motor system hierarchy has reshaped how neuroscientists understand the neural circuits underlying defensive, reproductive, and foraging behaviors.
Beyond his research contributions, Dr. Swanson has been instrumental in shaping the field of neuroscience through leadership roles including serving as President of the Society for Neuroscience and Secretary General of the International Brain Research Organization. His election to the National Academy of Sciences in 2010 and membership in the American Academy of Arts and Sciences reflect the profound impact of his work on the scientific community. At USC, he has held significant administrative positions including Director of the Neuroscience Program and Dean of Research, fostering the development of the next generation of neuroscientists. Currently, his laboratory is developing innovative online workbenches for neural connectivity and systematic network tracing methods aimed at determining the complete wiring diagram or connectome of the mammalian nervous system, continuing his lifelong commitment to mapping the structural foundations of brain function.
