David Burke

David Burke serves as Professor in the Department of Human Genetics at the University of Michigan Medical School, with affiliations spanning the Human Genetics Center, Center for Global Health Equity, Weil Institute for Critical Care Research, and Global REACH. His cross-disciplinary research program integrates genetics, engineering, and population health to develop low-cost technologies for quantitative human phenotyping and equitable healthcare delivery.

His research focuses on three interconnected domains: (1) developing accessible technology systems for precise human phenotyping in diverse populations, (2) creating equitable healthcare delivery solutions, and (3) analyzing complex multigenic traits with longitudinal perspectives. This work addresses fundamental questions about genetic and environmental interactions in human phenotype trajectories across the lifespan, with particular emphasis on real-world applications in resource-limited settings.

Analysis of recent publications reveals strong thematic continuity in genomic epidemiology, particularly regarding APOL1 variants in African populations (kidney disease, preeclampsia), alongside innovative biomedical engineering applications for glaucoma management and medication adherence monitoring. His work consistently bridges basic genetic mechanisms with practical health technology implementation.

• NIH-funded projects including H3Africa Kidney Disease Research Network (2012-2022)
• Current grants: Reducing falls with Varenicline in Parkinson disease (2024-2025), Microbiome in Diabetic Foot Ulcers (2022-2027)

Burke co-teaches the Department of Human Genetics core course HG546 "Genetics in Human Biology and Disease," specializing in population genetics applications. His laboratory develops microfabricated devices and real-time monitoring systems, with projects spanning from DNA analysis technologies to clinical workflow optimization in ophthalmology.