Sarah Burke

Sarah Burke is an Associate Professor at the University of British Columbia with joint appointments in the Department of Physics & Astronomy and the Department of Chemistry under the Faculty of Science. Her research focuses on nanoscale electronic and optoelectronic materials, utilizing advanced scanning probe microscopy (SPM) techniques such as atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) in ultrahigh vacuum and low-temperature environments.

Education:

• PhD, Physics (McGill University, 2009)
• MSc, Physics (McGill University, 2005)
• BSc(Hons), Physics with minor in Chemistry (Dalhousie University, 2002)

Research Interests:
Sarah’s work bridges nanoscale materials characterization and electronic/optoelectronic device development. Key themes include:

• Understanding organic semiconductor interfaces through molecular-scale imaging and spectroscopy
• Investigating graphene and other 2D materials for strain-induced electronic phenomena
• Developing novel SPM-optical hybrid techniques for clean energy applications
• Exploring surface science challenges in nanoscale photovoltaics and molecular electronics

Scientific Awards:

• Canada Research Chair (Tier 2) in Nanoscience (2010, renewed 2015)
• Peter Wall Institute for Advanced Studies Early Career Scholar Award (2011)
• Associate Member of CIFAR Nanoelectronics Program (2010-2012)
• NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowship (2009-2010)

Advising & Grants:
Burke’s group supports interdisciplinary graduate training, with experience in collaborative research programs. Her grants include Canada Research Chair funding and NSERC fellowships.

Labs & Teams:
She leads the UBC Laboratory for Atomic Imaging Research (LAIR), pioneering SPM techniques for atomic-scale characterization of nanomaterials.