Z. Leah Harris

Z. Leah Harris, M.D., is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Pediatrics at Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, and Director of the Dell Pediatric Research Institute. She has held leadership roles at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.

• Academic Rank: Professor
• Department: Pediatrics

Education

• M.D., Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science Chicago Medical School
• Pediatrics Residency & Fellowship, University of Chicago Hospitals

Research Interests

Harris's research spans pediatric critical care medicine, transition metal biology, and nutrition. Her work investigates iron homeostasis in neurodegenerative diseases, maternal-fetal iron transfer, and medical education innovations. Recent studies focus on cerebral oximetry monitoring, transport medicine complications, and critical care quality improvement.

Scientific Awards

• K08 and R01 grants from NIDDK/NIH
• Endowed Krehbiel Professorship in Pediatric Critical Care Medicine
• Hedwig van Ameringen Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine (ELAM) Fellow (2012)

Academic Leadership

Prior roles include Division Chief at Lurie Children's Hospital, Vice Chair at Northwestern University, and Fellowship Director at Johns Hopkins. She has contributed to graduate medical education accreditation and interprofessional training programs.