Dr. Deborah Kurrasch

Dr. Deborah Kurrasch, Ph.D.

Positions

Professor

Cumming School of Medicine, Department of Medical Genetics

Professor

Cumming School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Deputy Head

Cumming School of Medicine, Department of Medical Genetics

Full Member

Hotchkiss Brain Institute

Child Health & Wellness Researcher

Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Owerko Centre

Contact information

Web presence

Phone number

Office: +1 (403) 210-6713

Location

Office: HSC#2215

Kristy Gough, Admin

HSC #2127 / 403-220-5887 / kristy.gough@ucalgary.ca 

 

 

Background

Educational Background

BSc Molecular Genetics, Purdue University,

PhD Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University,

Postdoctoral Fellow Energy Homeostasis, University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Centre,

Postdoctoral Fellow Developmental Neuroendocrinology, University of California, San Fransisco,

Research

Areas of Research

Developmental Genetics
Epilepsy
Model Organism
Novel Therapeutics
Neurogenetics
Developmental Neuroscience
Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Neuroinflammation
Neural Stem Cells
Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
Research Summary:

The Developing Brains Lab at the University of Calgary uses various model systems (zebrafish, mouse, human brain organoids) and a range of cellular and molecular techniques (single cell omics', super resolution microscopy, electrophysiology, CRISPR/cas9), to reveal the mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental disorders. The lab is especially focused on studying neural stem cell behaviors, sex differentiation programs, and the impact of environmental factors, alongside a new project to understand the neurobiology of psychedelic agents. The lab is also commercializing novel therapeutics for the treatment of refractory pediatric epilepsy.  

For more information about the lab, current research, and recent publications, please visit the lab webpage or follow on twitter

Participation in university strategic initiatives

Courses

Course number Course title Semester
619.01 MDSC Fall Semester
Neuroscience I Neuroscience I Fall Semester

Awards

  • Visiting Professor LKC Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. 2023
  • ASTech Women in Innovation, ASTech Foundation. 2021
  • CSM van de Sande award for accomplishments, University of Calgary. 2021
  • Great Supervisor 2019, Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Calgary. 2019
  • Peak Scholar in Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Knowledge Engagement Award, University of Calgary. 2018
  • Leaders in Medicine Excellence in Supervision Award, University of Calgary. 2017