Neurodevelopment

Neurodevelopmental disorders can affect a child’s emotion, learning ability, and behaviors. The Neurodevelopment Team is focused on understanding fundamental developmental programs and how these processes might be perturbed in various disease states. The team shares a unifying theme in understanding brain circuitry across the spectrum, including model organism researchers who study how neurons differentiate and circuits form; synaptic physiologists who examine circuit function in vivo and in vitro; translational researchers who use behavioral approaches to understand how cognitive and language circuits in children develop; and imaging scientists who study factors that influence axonal tract formation and brain volume in children.

In 2018, this NeuroTeam merged with the Owerko Centre for Neurodevelopment and Child Mental Health, whose mandate is to be a multidisciplinary research hub with a broad focus on neurodevelopment, neurodevelopmental disorders, and child mental health. Working with Owerko researchers, NeuroTeam members now collaborate with clinical and policy researchers, among other research interests, to translate their findings more broadly.

Neurodevelopment team leaders: 
Primary Lead – Dr. Deborah Kurrasch
Co-Lead – Dr. Susan Graham

Neurodevelopment team contact: 
kurrasch@ucalgary.ca