Jessica G Burke

Jessica G Burke is a Professor in the Department of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh. Her work focuses on women's health, particularly the syndemic interactions of sexual & reproductive health, intimate partner violence, substance use, and mental health, using mixed methods and systems science approaches.

• Education: BA in Cultural Anthropology (1994, New York University), MHS in International Health (1998, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health), PhD in Social & Behavioral Sciences (2003, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health)

Burke specializes in participatory research methods such as concept mapping and collaborative filmmaking, emphasizing community engagement and translation of research into interventions. She co-founded the Center for Social Dynamics and Community Health and directs the University of Pittsburgh Certificate Program in Community-Based Participatory Research and Practice.

Her research spans diverse populations, including rural Appalachian women, minority families in Pittsburgh, and adolescent girls in Nepal. Key methodological interests include systems science (social network analysis, agent-based modeling) and creative, visual methods to address complex health issues. Recent publications highlight her work on opioid-related diagnoses, HIV/HCV comorbidities, and community-led interventions.

Burke's collaborations involve academic-community partnerships like the Allegheny County Breast Health Coalition. She mentors graduate students, serves on thesis/dissertation committees, and has secured grants from NHLBI and DHHS for heart health research and stakeholder-engaged interventions targeting relationship abuse.