Deborah M Kurrasch is an Associate Professor in the Department of Medical Genetics at the University of Calgary and a Scientist at the Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute and the Hotchkiss Brain Institute. Dr Kurrasch’s research is focused on characterizing the genetic programs that govern hypothalamic development using zebrafish, mice, and human brain organoids as model organisms. The lab studies how exposure to environmental challenges (e.g. maternal obesity, inflammation, and chemicals) in utero become translated into changes in brain cytoarchitecture, especially within the hypothalamus. Dr Kurrasch is funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, among other private foundations.

Dr Kurrasch received her PhD in Molecular Pharmacology from Purdue University and conducted two postdoctoral fellowships, one at the University of Texas – Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas and one at the University of California – San Francisco. Dr Kurrasch has received various awards for her scholarly work, most recently being awarded the Peak Scholar in Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Knowledge Engagement.