Carolyn Harris

projects

Faculty Profile

Professor
aq4515@wayne.edu

Narrative Bio

The Harris laboratory is broadly interested in understanding neuroinflammation and cell-biomaterial interactions in neurological conditions. Using confocal microscopy, translational research, bench-top 3D culture models, and high-throughput microfluidic models, our team works to understand the impact of the patient's individual conditions on failure of chronic indwelling devices implanted in the brain. Specifically, we focus on the shunt device, and implement tools to study mechanisms of shunt failure in the treatment of hydrocephalus. The influence of brain injury, fluid dynamics, and blood-cerebrospinal fluid-barrier integrity is also captured within our research umbrella.

In addition to her academic activities, Dr. Harris is deeply committed to improving public education and cultivating communication and a sincere connection with patients. These interests are fostered from a multilevel perspective with specific attention to teaching undergraduate, graduate, and medical students, residents and fellows, and by reaching out to the community to interact with patients and their families. Questions are always welcomed.

Division

Research

Office Address

6135 Woodward Ave, Room 1413, Detroit, MI 48202
Integrative Biosciences Center

Fellowships

2011-2014
Postdoctoral Fellow
Center for Integrative Brain Research
Seattle Childrens Research Institute
Seattle, Washington

2011
Postdoctoral Fellow, Neurosurgery
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah

Phone

313-577-9847

Graduate

2011
PhD, Bioengineering
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah

Suffix

PhD

Links of Interest

 https://engineering.wayne.edu/profile/aq4515

Publications

scholar.google.com/citations

Research Description

Narrative Bio:
The Harris laboratory studies hydrocephalus with a prudent focus on bioengineering strategies that could improve treatment. As an Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery with a joint appointment in biomedical engineering, Dr. Harris plays a critical role in quantifying the cellular response to brain injury. Dr. Harris received her B.S. from Purdue University in 2006 and her Ph.D. from the University of Utah in 2011, both in Biomedical Engineering. Dr. Harris is nationally and internationally recognized as an expert in hydrocephalus due to her comprehension of the pathophysiology of the disorder and her investigation into shunt obstruction and shunt infection utilizing unique model systems.

In addition to her academic activities, Dr. Harris is deeply committed to improving public education and cultivating communication and a sincere connection with patients. These interests are fostered from a multilevel perspective with specific attention to teaching undergraduate, graduate, and medical students, residents and fellows, and by reaching out to the community to interact with patients and their families. Questions are always welcomed.

Affiliated Departments