Murias Lab Projects

To see our other studies of neurodevelopment, please visit our Research Studies page.

Clinical and Behavioural Outcomes in Children with Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)

There have been new medical treatments that help lower medical problems after HIE, such as routine cooling of babies. However, more research considering long term function is needed. The purpose of this study is to learn if children who have neonatal HIE have long-term brain injuries that impact their attention and learning once they reach school-age.
We will do this by accessing your child’s medical records to gather information on their birth, neonatal course, previous evaluations, and ongoing medical concerns. Our goal is to learn more about how HIE may affect children as they grow.
If you are interested in taking part in this study, please call Kara Murias (403) 441-8411
This study has been approved by the University of Calgary Conjoint Health Research Ethics Board (REB18-1525)

Murias Lab Team

Located at the Child Development Centre

Kara Murias

Assistant Professor
Department of Paediatrics and Clinical Neuroscience
University of Calgary

Clinical Interests

Dr. Murias' clinical focus is assessing and diagnosing children with developmental or cognitive concerns, including:

Autism
Attention and executive function deficits
Global developmental delay

Research Interests

Dr. Murias' research program focuses on the different trajectories of cognitive development in children with developmental and neurologic conditions, what biologic processes underlie differences in outcomes, and whether we can predict or alter that trajectory.

The ultimate goal of this research program is to contribute new information on the neural mechanisms of atypical development, while advancing knowledge of the risk factors, treatment effects and clinical outcomes of children with neurodevelopmental concerns.

Ishita Moghe

Graduate Student

Ishita is a graduate student in the Cumming School of Medicine Neuroscience program. Her project explores the relationship between sensorimotor function and social deficits in children with ASD with the help of the KINARM robot. Outside of her research, Ishita enjoys playing piano, running, and playing with her dog.

Elana Sarabin

Research Assistant

In the fall of 2019 Elana will be entering into her 3rd year of biological sciences at the University of Calgary. Currently Elana is a part time research assistant for the Murias lab helping on multiple projects ranging from longitudinal outcomes in patients with autism spectrum disorder to a clinical trial for patients with Fragile X Syndrome. In her spare time Elana enjoys spending time with family and friends enjoying outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and ATVing.

Oswald Chen

Undergraduate Student

Oswald is a 2nd year student pursuing a degree in Neuroscience at the University of Calgary. His research focuses on sensorimotor impairments and executive function in children with ASD, and seeks to understand how these relate to communication and social abilities. In his spare time, Oswald enjoys reading novels and playing the piano.

Fanar Ghanim

Undergraduate Student

Fanar Ghanim is a first year student in the BSc Honours Neuroscience program at the University of Calgary. For her summer research project, she is working on a study that aims to see how different clinical factors relate to adaptive functioning in children with neurologic or neurodevelopmental conditions. Outside of research, Fanar enjoys exploring our beautiful Rockies and spending time with family and friends.

Harshil Shah

Undergraduate Student

Harshil is a 2nd-year student in the Honours Neuroscience program at the University of Calgary. His research currently focuses on neurogenetics and the mutations most commonly implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders. In his spare time, Harshil enjoys learning about business and practicing Tae Kwon Do.

Evan Zhou

Research Assistant

Evan holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of British Columbia where he majored in Integrated Sciences focusing on the disciplines of molecular genetics and human physiology. His past research focused on elucidating the molecular drivers of collective tumor invasion in murine breast cancer. He is currently studying clinical outcomes in children with Neonatal Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy. In his free time, Evan enjoys bouldering, playing hockey, and painting. Moving forward, Evan is hoping to pursue occupational therapy or nursing.

Past Trainees

Christian Tsang B.Sc

Judy Fan B.Sc; B.Ed

Ciara Hanly B.Kin; MD Candidate

Positions Available

Student Positions

Prospective Graduate Students

Thank you for your interest in the Murias Lab. Unfortunately, we are not taking on any more students at this time.

Please visit this link to view potential supervisors at the University of Calgary.

Learn More