Assistant Professor of Neurological Surgery
Director, Undergraduate Medical Education & Clerkship Program, Neurosurgery
Academic Address
909 Walnut Street, Suite 300
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Assistant Professor of Neurological Surgery
Director, Undergraduate Medical Education & Clerkship Program, Neurosurgery
University of Alabama, School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL
Yale University, New Haven, CT
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
Yale University, New Haven, CT
University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL
Board Eligible, Neurological Surgery
Director, Undergraduate Medical Education & Neurosurgery Clerkships
Department of Neurosurgery, Thomas Jefferson University, 2026–Present
Co-Chair, Adult Neurosurgeon’s Advisory Subcommittee
Transition of Care Committee, AANS/CNS Section on Pediatric Neurosurgery, 2026-Present
Department Lead, Transparent Clinical Documentation Initiative
Department of Neurosurgery, Thomas Jefferson University, 2025–Present
Associate Director, Neurosurgery Clerkship
Department of Neurosurgery, Thomas Jefferson University, 2025–2026
Dr. Robert’s research focuses on neurosurgical oncology, with an emphasis on primary and metastatic brain tumors, radiation necrosis, treatment-related imaging changes, and the neuroimmune landscape of tumor recurrence and treatment resistance. Her translational research program integrates clinical outcomes, advanced neuroimaging, tissue and blood-based biospecimens, single-cell and multi-omic profiling, patient-derived models, and biomarker development to improve diagnosis and therapeutic decision-making for patients with complex brain tumors.
Specific research interests include:
Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS)
American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS)
AANS/CNS Section on Tumors
AANS/CNS Section on Pediatric Neurosurgery
AANS/CNS Women in Neurosurgery (WINS)
Society for Neuro-Oncology (SNO)
I am a neurosurgical oncologist specializing in the care of patients with primary and metastatic brain tumors, recurrent tumors, and radiation necrosis. I treat patients who are newly diagnosed as well as those facing complex decisions after prior surgery, radiation, or systemic therapy.
My approach to brain tumor care is individualized, multidisciplinary, and grounded in clear communication. Each patient’s treatment plan depends on many factors, including the tumor type, location, prior treatments, overall cancer status, neurologic function, imaging findings, and personal goals. I work closely with colleagues in radiation oncology, medical oncology, neuro-oncology, neuroradiology, pathology, and supportive care to provide coordinated treatment recommendations and comprehensive care.
A major focus of my clinical practice is the management of brain metastases and previously treated or recurrent brain tumors. After radiation or other therapies, changes on MRI can sometimes be difficult to interpret. An enlarging area may represent an active tumor, treatment-related inflammation, radiation necrosis, or a combination of these processes. Distinguishing among these possibilities is essential because the most appropriate treatment may vary significantly. Through detailed imaging review and multidisciplinary discussion, I help patients understand these nuances and determine the next best step, which may include close observation, surgery, radiation, laser ablation, medication, or a combined approach.
I also specialize in minimally invasive treatment strategies, including MRI-guided laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) for carefully selected brain tumors and radiation necrosis. For some patients, this approach may provide an option when a lesion is deep, difficult to reach, recurrent after prior treatment, or not ideally suited for traditional open surgery.
In addition to my clinical practice, I lead translational research focused on improving the diagnosis and treatment of brain tumors. My work examines tumor recurrence, radiation necrosis, and the immune environment surrounding brain tumors, with the goal of developing better tools to distinguish tumors from treatment effects and to personalize treatment decisions and therapeutic options.