Christina R. Bourne

Christina R. Bourne is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Oklahoma. Her research focuses on structural biology and anti-bacterial strategies, particularly studying toxin-antitoxin systems and bacterial folate enzymes. She holds a B.S. from the University of Oklahoma (1998), a Ph.D. from the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation and University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (2003), and completed a postdoc at OUHSC. Before her current role, she was an Associate Research Scientist at Oklahoma State University (2007–2013).

• Education:
• B.S., University of Oklahoma, 1998
• Ph.D., Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation & OUHSC, 2003
• Postdoc, OUHSC, 2003–2007

Her lab employs X-ray crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy, and computational techniques to investigate mechanisms of bacterial proteins, such as ParE toxins' inhibition of DNA gyrase and novel anti-DHFR compounds. Collaborations include work with the Lutter lab (OSU) on Chlamydia proteins and the Burgett lab (OUHSC) on oxysterol binding proteins.

Lab Highlights:

• 2021: Published studies on toxin-antitoxin systems and folate enzymes, including Kevin’s first-author paper.
• Hosted rotation students and supported undergrad researchers like Lydia Burger (UROP awardee).

Her team emphasizes collaborative, dynamic research to combat antimicrobial resistance and explore molecular mechanisms in health contexts.