Mark Burke

Dr. Mark Burke is currently a Professor in the Department of Physiology and Biophysics, College of Medicine at Howard University. He is the Co-Director of the Developmental Core of the DC Center for AIDS Research (CFAR), Editor-in-Chief of the Neurodevelopmental Section of the journal Brain Sciences and served as the Program Director of the DC CFAR Pathway Program.  His research focuses on neurodevelopment and the effects of developmental intrusions in non-human primates, such as hemispherectomies, fetal alcohol exposure, post-natal Zika infection, and pediatric HIV infection. During his time at Howard University, Dr. Burke has been a strong proponent of providing research and mentorship opportunities to students. Over the past 16 years he has trained medical students, graduates, undergraduates, and high school students. The research opportunities afforded high school and undergraduate students positioned them for competitive applications to professional schools (medical, dental, and graduate) and undergraduate programs. His students have been awarded the Luard Scholarship, Fulbright Scholarship, and have been placed in summer internships through the MARC Star program (e.g. Harvard University and University of Kentucky), and Leadership Alliance Program. As part of his position at the DC CFAR, Dr. Burke has actively participated in Mentoring the Mentor activities and is developing a formalized mentoring program that benefits faculty and students alike within the DC CFAR network. Dr. Burke has been recognized for his mentorship by the National Minority Access and Washington Baltimore Hampton Roads Louis Stokes Alliance organizations.