Rate My Professor Deborah Fraser

Deborah Fraser is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at California State University, Long Beach, part of the California State University system overseen by the Office of the Chancellor. She earned her BSc in Cellular and Molecular Pathology from the University of Bristol in England and her PhD in molecular medicine from the University of Wales College of Medicine in Cardiff, Wales. Joining the CSULB faculty in 2011, she earned tenure in 2017 and has developed a robust research program centered on immunology and the molecular mechanisms of inflammatory diseases, with a particular emphasis on atherosclerosis. The Fraser Lab examines the functions of the innate immune protein C1q in modulating macrophage phenotypes and responses, including promotion of anti-inflammatory M2 polarization, enhancement of foam cell formation and survival, transcriptome alterations, inflammasome and autophagy regulation, lipid metabolism, and chemotaxis. Her work seeks to identify novel therapeutic targets for cardiovascular and inflammatory conditions.

Fraser's scholarship includes key publications such as 'Complement protein C1q promotes macrophage anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype and improves cardiorenal injury' (2014), 'Complement protein C1q enhances macrophage foam cell formation' (2017), 'Macrophage molecular signaling and inflammatory responses are modulated by the new hydrophobic C1q domain' (2016), and 'Complement protein C1q modulates endothelial cell functions in atherosclerosis' (2020), amassing over 3,394 citations. She maintains an NIH-funded laboratory and has secured grants from CSUPERB, including seed and travel awards. Recognized for her mentoring, Fraser received the 2022 Distinguished Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activities Mentoring Award at CSULB and contributes to the 2025 University Achievement Awards for advising. Having mentored over 100 students, many as co-authors on peer-reviewed papers and conference presentations, numerous have pursued graduate and professional studies. She formerly directed the NIH-funded RISE program and currently leads the CIRM Bridges to Doctorate Program and Biotechnology Certificate stem cell option, advising hundreds of undergraduates in research and career development.