Rate My Professor Deborah Fraser

Deborah Fraser, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at California State University, Long Beach. She earned her Ph.D. in medical biochemistry and immunology from the University of Wales College of Medicine, Cardiff, completing her doctoral studies from 1998 to 2001. Following her Ph.D., she conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Wales College of Medicine from January to October 2002 and at the City of Hope National Medical Center, Department of Immunology, from November 2002 to December 2003. She also holds a B.Sc. (Hons) degree from the University of Bristol. Since joining California State University, Long Beach, Dr. Fraser has directed the Fraser Lab, where her research investigates the molecular mechanisms of the innate immune response, with a particular emphasis on the role of complement protein C1q in inflammatory diseases such as atherosclerosis. Her studies explore how C1q modulates macrophage polarization, foam cell survival and efferocytosis, inflammasome activation, lipid metabolism, transcriptome changes, and cytokine production during the uptake of atherogenic lipoproteins and apoptotic cells.

Dr. Fraser's key publications include 'Complement protein C1q enhances macrophage foam cell survival and efferocytosis' (Journal of Immunology, 2017), 'Macrophage molecular signaling and inflammatory responses during ingestion of atherogenic lipoproteins are modulated by complement protein C1q' (Atherosclerosis, 2016), 'Complement protein C1q promotes macrophage anti-inflammatory M2-like polarization during the clearance of atherogenic lipoproteins' (Inflammation Research, 2014), and 'Complement, C1q and C1q-related molecules regulate macrophage polarization' (Frontiers in Immunology, 2014). Beyond research, she has mentored over 100 students in her lab since 2011, many presenting at conferences and co-authoring papers. She served as program director for the CSULB NIH-funded RISE program until 2024, currently directs the California Institute of Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) Bridges Program Internship and the Biotechnology Certificate with Stem Cell Option, and provides training on instruments like the Sony Cell Sorter. In recognition of her advising excellence, she received the 2025 Distinguished Faculty Advising Award from California State University, Long Beach.