Burke, Kelly

Kelly Burke

Associate Professor, Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering

Email kelly.burke@uconn.edu
Phone (860) 486-3133
Mailing Address 191 Auditorium Road, Unit 3222, Storrs, CT 06269-3222
Campus Storrs
Google Scholar Link

Brief Bio

Kelly Burke is trained as a chemical engineer and polymer scientist with expertise in biomaterials. She is an Associate Professor and Department Head of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Connecticut, and a core member of the Polymer Program in the Institute of Materials Science. She is also a member of the Department of Biomedical Engineering and the University of Connecticut Stem Cell Institute. Her research seeks to understand how biomaterials can be used to direct the behavior of the cells and extracellular matrices that form human tissues, with particular interest in the soft tissues of the gastrointestinal tract that have been damaged by disease and trauma. By designing new materials that interface with these biological environments, she aims to answer questions about how polymers can be used to affect the polarization of immune cells and fibroblasts, the success of stem cell differentiation, and the types, quality, and quantity of extracellular matrix deposited.

Kelly previously served as a postdoctoral fellow with Prof. David Kaplan in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Tufts University. Her research focused on two main project areas: synthetic methods to modify proteins and 3D in vitro tissue models. She was awarded a NIH Ruth L. Kirschstein Postdoctoral Fellowship for her work on 3D models of inflamed adipose tissue, which involved the culture of human stem cells differentiated into adipocytes with primary macrophages to generate long term disease models relevant to type 2 diabetes and obesity. Kelly completed her Ph.D. in Macromolecular Science and Engineering from Case Western Reserve University in 2010. As a graduate student and NSF Graduate Research Fellow in the laboratory of Prof. Patrick Mather, she designed main-chain liquid crystalline polymers based on polysiloxanes for soft shape memory materials, for which she received graduate student research awards from the American Chemical Society and the Materials Research Society. Kelly earned her bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Connecticut in 2005, where she completed an honors thesis on well-defined organic-inorganic thermoplastic polyurethanes for biomedical uses.

When she is not working on research and teaching, Kelly enjoys outdoor activities, especially running, playing tennis, and gardening. She loves playing cribbage, being overconfident about her miniature golf skills (especially against her husband), playing blocks with her kids, and babysitting her dog sister, Miss Lady.

  • Biopolymers (POLY 5395/CHEG 5395, graduate elective) Thermodynamics and kinetics of biopolymers (carbohydrates, proteins, DNA/RNA, lipids/biomembranes). Properties, applications, and connections to current research
  • Capstone Design (CHEG 4143W, CBE core, senior level) Continuation of work on chemical process and simulation projects assigned in CHEG 4140. Group work, written and oral communication, and presentation of the final project, which analyzes a chemical process from technical, economic, safety, and environmental perspectives
  • Fluid Mechanics (CHEG 3123, CBE core, junior level) Overall mass, energy, and momentum balances; fluid flow phenomena; theoretical and empirical relationships for design of incompressible fluid-flow systems
  • Heat & Mass Transfer (CHEG 3124, CBE core, junior level) Conductive heat transfer; heat transfer coefficients and design of heat exchange systems. Radiation heat transfer, evaporation; design of mass transfer processes including distillation and extraction; analysis and design of diffusional processes such as gas absorption and humidification. Analytical and numerical methods for the solution of simple partial differential equations describing transport phenomena
  • Introduction to Research (CHEG 4895, undergraduate research) Methods of conducting research; design of laboratory investigations and experiments; correlation and interpretation of experimental results; writing of formal, technical reports; oral presentations; independent student effort, initiative and resourcefulness are required
  • Polymer Properties (POLY 5352/ CHEG 5352, graduate core for POLY and elective for CHEG) Interrelationships between solid state structure, dynamics, and mechanical properties of non-crystalline and semi-crystalline polymers. Considers polymer viscoelasticity, diffusion, failure mechanism, and elementary polymer rheology.

32. Ruan, W.; Ritchey, Z.; Jain, M.; McCutcheon, J.R.; Burke, K.A. “High throughput fabrication for PVDF-TrFE-CFE thin film by additive manufacturing.” Cell Reports Physical Science, 2025, 6, (3), 102503, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xcrp.2025.102503.

31. Shirk, B.D.; Heichel, D.L; Eccles, L.E.; Rodgers, L.I; Lateef, A.H.; Burke, K.A., Stoppel, W.L. “Modifying Naturally Occurring, Nonmammalian-Sourced Biopolymers for Biomedical Applications.” ACS Biomaterials Science and Engineering, 2024, 10, (10), 5915–593, https://doi.org/10.1021/acsbiomaterials.4c00689.

30. Ward, S.P.; McDermott, S.T.; Heichel, D.; Burke, K.A.; Adamson, D.H. “Solvent-Free Direct PEGylation of Collagen Fibers.” ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering 2022, 8 (12), 5101–5109, https://doi.org/10.1021/acsbiomaterials.2c01071.

29. Rowe, C.K.; Jamdee, T.; Foster, C.; Burke, K.A.; “Do the materials matter? A review of the literature and analysis of the materials properties of urethral stents for hypospadias repair.” Journal of Pediatric Urology, 2022, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpurol.2022.01.003.

28. Heichel, D.L.; Vy, N.C.; Ward, S.P.; Adamson, D.A.; Burke, K.A.; “Controlled Radical Polymerization of Hydrophilic and Zwitterionic Brush-Like Polymers from Silk Fibroin Surfaces.” Journal of Materials Chemistry B, 2020, 8, (45), 10392-10406. https://doi.org/10.1039/D0TB01990A

27. Heichel, D.L.; Tumbic, J.A.; Boch, M.A.; Ma, A.W.K.; Burke, K.A. “Silk Fibroin Reactive Inks for 3D Printing Crypt-Like Structures” Biomedical Materials 2020, 055037. https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-605X/ab99d4

26. Heichel, D.L; Burke, K.A. “Enhancing the Carboxylation Efficiency of Silk Fibroin through the Disruption of Noncovalent Interactions.” Bioconjugate Chemistry 2020, 31, (5), 1307–1312. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.0c00168

25. Wang, Y.; McKinstry, A.H.; Burke, K.A. “Main-Chain Liquid Crystalline Hydrogels that Support 3D Stem Cell Culture.” Biomacromolecules 2020, 2020, 21, (6), 2365–2375. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.biomac.0c00316

24. Heichel, D.L; Burke, K.A. “Dual mode crosslinking enhances adhesion of silk fibroin hydrogels to intestinal tissue.” ACS Biomaterials Science and Engineering 2019, 5, (7), 3246-3259. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsbiomaterials.9b00786

23. Wang, Y.; Burke, K.A. “Phase behavior of main-chain liquid crystalline polymer networks synthesized by alkyne–azide cycloaddition chemistry.” Soft Matter 2018,14, 9885-9900. https://doi.org/10.1039/C8SM01913D

22. O’Brien, C.; McBride, A.; Zaghi, A.E.; Burke, K.A; Hill, A. “Mechanical Behavior of Stainless Steel Fiber-Reinforced Composites Exposed to Accelerated Corrosion.” Materials 2017, 10, (7), 772. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma10070772

21. McBride, A.K.; Turek, S.L.; Zaghi, A.E.; Burke, K.A. “Mechanical Behavior of Hybrid Glass/Steel Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Composites.” Polymers 2017, 9, (4), 151. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym9040151

20. Heichel, D.L.; Roberts, D.C.; Kaplan, D.L.; Burke, K.A. “Protein-based catechol conjugates as aqueous adhesives and networks.” Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology Conference Abstract: 10th World Biomaterials Congress 2016, https://doi.org/10.3389/conf.FBIOE.2016.01.00118

19. Burke, K.A.; Brenckle, M.A.; Kaplan, D.L; Omenetto, F.G. “Evaluation of the Spectral Response of Functionalized Silk Inverse Opals as Colorimetric Immunosensors.” ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces 2016, 8(25), 16218-26. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.6b02215

18. Burke, K.A.; Roberts, D.C.; Kaplan, D.L. “Silk Fibroin Aqueous-Based Adhesives Inspired by Mussel Adhesive Proteins.” Biomacromolecules 2016, 17, (1), 237-245. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.biomac.5b01330

17. Abbott, R.D.; Raja, W.R.; Wang, R.Y.; Stinson, J.A.; Glettig, D.L.; Burke, K.A.; Kaplan, D.L. “Long term perfusion system supporting adipogenesis.” Methods 2015, 84, 84-89. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ymeth.2015.03.022

16. Rnjak‐Kovacina, J.; DesRochers, T.M.; Burke, K.A.; Kaplan, D.L. “The effect of sterilization on silk fibroin biomaterial properties.” Macromolecular Bioscience 2015, 15, (6), 861-74. https://doi.org/10.1002/mabi.201500013

15. Rnjak‐Kovacina, J.; Wray, L.S.; Burke, K.A.; Torregrosa, T.; Golinski, J.M.; Huang, W.; Kaplan, D.L. “Lyophilized silk sponges: a versatile biomaterial platform for soft tissue engineering.” ACS Biomaterials Science and Engineering 2015, 1, (4), 260-70. https://doi.org/10.1021/ab500149p

14. Lin, Y.; Wang, S.; Chen, Y.; Wang, Q.; Burke, K.A.; Spedden, E.M.; Staii, C.; Weiss, A.S.; Kaplan, D.L. “Electrodeposited gels prepared from protein alloys.” Nanomedicine 2015, 10, (5), 803-814. https://doi.org/10.2217/nnm.14.230

13. Burke, K.A.; Rousseau, I.A.; Mather, P.T. “Reversible actuation in main-chain liquid crystalline elastomers with varying crosslink densities.” Polymer 2014, 55, (23), 5897-5907. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymer.2014.06.088

12. Partlow, B.P.; Hanna, C.W.; Rnjak-Kovacina, J.; Moreau, J.E.; Applegate, M.B; Burke, K.A.; Marelli, B.; Mitropoulos, A.N.; Omenetto, F.G.; Kaplan, D.L. “Highly tunable elastomeric silk biomaterials.” Advanced Functional Materials 2014, 24, (29), 4615-4624. https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.201400526

11. Seib, F.P.; Herklotz, M.; Burke, K.A.; Maitz, M.F.; Werner, C.; Kaplan, D.L. “Multifunctional silk-heparin biomaterials for vascular tissue engineering applications.” Biomaterials 2014, 35, (1), 83-91. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biomaterials.2013.09.053

10. Burke, K.A.; Mather, P.T. “Evolution of microstructure during shape memory cycling of a main-chain liquid crystalline elastomer.” Polymer 2013, 54, (11), 2808-20. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymer.2013.03.049

9. Heard, A.J.; Socrate, S.; Burke, K.A.; Norwitz, E.R.; Kaplan, D.L.; House, M.D. “Silk-based injectable biomaterial as an alternative to cervical cerclage: An In Vitro” Reproductive Sciences 2013, 20, (8), 929-36. https://doi.org/10.1177/1933719112468952

8. Burke, K.A.; Mather, P.T. “Crosslinkable liquid crystalline copolymers with variable isotropization temperature.” Journal of Materials Chemistry 2012, 22, (29), 14518-14530. https://doi.org/10.1039/C2JM32938G

7. McKenzie, B.M.; Wojtecki, R.J.; Burke, K.A.; Zhang, C.; Jakli, A.; Mather, P.T.; Rowan, S.J. “Metallo-Responsive Liquid Crystalline Monomers and Polymers.” Chemistry of Materials 2011, 23, (15), 3525-33. https://doi.org/10.1021/cm2011617

6. Davis, K.A.; Burke K.A.; Mather P.T.; Henderson J.H., “Dynamic cell behavior on shape memory polymer substrates.” Biomaterials 2011, 32, 2285-2293. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biomaterials.2010.12.006

5. Burke, K.A.; Mather, P. T. “Soft Shape Memory in Liquid Crystalline Elastomers.” Journal of Materials Chemistry 2010, 20, (17), 3449-3457. https://doi.org/10.1039/B924050K

4. McKenzie, B.M.; Miller, A.K.; Wojtecki, R.J.; Johnson, J.C.; Burke, K.A.; Tzeng, K.A.; Mather, P.T.; Rowan, S.J. “Improved synthesis of functionalized mesogenic 2,6-bisbenzimidazolylpyridine ligands.” Tetrahedron 2008, 64, (36), 8488-8495. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tet.2008.05.075

3. Burke, K.A.; Sivakova, S.; McKenzie, B.M.; Mather, P.T.; Rowan, S.J.  “Effect of stoichiometry on liquid crystalline supramolecular polymers formed with complementary nucleobase pair interactions.” Journal of Polymer Science, Part A: Polymer Chemistry 2006, 44, (17), 5049-5059. https://doi.org/10.1002/pola.21626

2. Gao, W.; Hagver, R.; Shah, V.; Xie, W.; Gross, R.A.; Ilker, M.F.; Bell, C.; Burke, K.A.; Coughlin, E.B.  “Glycolipid polymer synthesized from natural lactonic sophorolipids by ring-opening metathesis polymerization.” Macromolecules 2007, 40, (2), 145-147. https://doi.org/10.1021/ma0620159

1. Calvert, C.; Burke, K.A.; Suib, S.L. “Spontaneous and self-assembled line formations on silicon substrates with vanadium pentoxide sol-gels.” Journal of Physical Chemistry B 2005, 109, (47), 22685-22691. https://doi.org/10.1021/jp052360k