Heather Burkin

Heather Burkin, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Nevada, Reno, where she leads an active research program focused on the molecular mechanisms governing uterine contractility and the pathophysiology of preterm labor.

Education

• B.A. in Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder
• Ph.D. in Animal Sciences (Reproductive Biology), University of Illinois, Urbana

Research Interests

Dr. Burkin’s laboratory investigates the cellular and molecular factors that regulate the onset of labor, with the overarching goal of reducing neonatal morbidity linked to spontaneous preterm birth. Using state-of-the-art tissue-engineering approaches, her team creates synthetic three-dimensional myometrial tissue models that replicate both normal and pathological pregnancy conditions. Central to her work is the study of matrix metalloproteinases—particularly MMP-2 and MMP-9—and their roles in modulating uterine contractility via remodeling of the extracellular matrix and intracellular signaling cascades. Additional foci include the impact of maternal obesity on long-term childhood respiratory outcomes and the nitric-oxide-mediated pathways that govern myometrial quiescence and activation.

Publication Trends

Across her extensive publication record, a clear trajectory emerges: from early molecular characterizations of gamete recognition and integrin biology to a concentrated emphasis on the biochemical underpinnings of preterm labor. Recent works highlight translational strategies—pharmacological inhibition of MMP-9, prostaglandin-driven contractility testing in engineered tissues, and epidemiological analyses linking maternal BMI to childhood asthma—demonstrating an integrative approach that bridges bench discoveries to potential clinical interventions.

Scientific Awards

No specific awards or honors are listed in the provided text.

Current Funding & Collaborative Networks

The text does not enumerate active grant numbers or named trainees; however, the sustained output in high-impact journals and the development of sophisticated tissue-engineering platforms suggest robust extramural funding and interdisciplinary collaborations across reproductive biology, pharmacology, and biomedical engineering.

Laboratory & Facilities

Dr. Burkin directs a laboratory equipped for integrative reproductive sciences, integrating cell-culture suites, biomechanical stretch systems, mass-spectrometry proteomics, and 3-D bioprinting capabilities to create and validate synthetic myometrial constructs.