Born and raised in South Africa, Nirupa trained in Neurology in her native country and later specialized in Epilepsy and Public Health here in the US. Her work entailed construction of maps of brain function and dysfunction that guided surgical precision: the challenge being to leave people optimally functional after brain surgery. Some anecdotes of interest to the arts community entail preserving of artistic talent despite undergoing brain surgery.  This was achieved by performing brain mapping during surgery, with the patient awake performing the talent they wanted to preserve! 

We are excited to work with Nirupa as we embark on shaping the new Gage—an institution capable of building community around art and delivering the same excellence in art instruction both online and on campus—we are grateful for the entire Gage community of students, instructors, staff, trustees, friends and donors like you who will accompany us on this transformative journey!