About Mark
“Recovery is more than healing the body — it’s restoring the whole person.”
Mark Sweatman brings a unique blend of expertise in sociology, marketing, and human development to his role as Data Analyst at Shepherd Center’s Virginia C. Crawford Research Institute. Since 2012, Mark has partnered with research scientists to transform complex data into actionable insights that drive innovation in neurorehabilitation. His work supports studies aimed at improving outcomes for individuals with spinal cord injury, acquired brain injury, and multiple sclerosis, ensuring that evidence-based practices translate into real-world impact.
Research specialties
- Spinal cord injury
- Acquired brain injury
- Multiple sclerosis
Education & training
- Ph.D., Sociology – Georgia State University, 2011
- MBA, Marketing – Mercer University, 1998
- BS, Environmental Development – Southern Polytechnic State University, 1996
Certifications
- Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) Human Subjects Research Certification
- National Institutes of Health (NIH) Human Subjects Research Certification
Why his work matters
As a medical sociologist, Mark values Shepherd Center’s holistic approach to rehabilitation. He believes that true recovery goes beyond physical healing to encompass quality of life and independence.
“Having a research and innovation institute in-house allows Shepherd Center to use cutting-edge, evidence-based practices to improve not only patient outcomes, but also their life after injury.”
Beyond Shepherd
Mark volunteers as a Limb Loss Peer Mentor at Shepherd Center and serves as Professor in the Department of Human Services and Cultural Studies at Georgia Gwinnett College.
Awards and honors
- 2022 Award for Excellence in the First Five Years, School of Liberal Arts, Georgia Gwinnett College
- 2017 Outstanding Faculty Scholarship and Creativity Award, Georgia Gwinnett College
