معرفی
Steffanie Burk serves as Associate Professor and Director of Undergraduate Research and Creative Work in the Department of Equine Science at Otterbein University. She teaches diverse courses including Horsemastership, Equine Anatomy and Physiology, and Therapeutic Riding, while maintaining active research programs in equine health and human-therapeutic applications.
Her academic credentials include:
- Ph.D. in Animal Science, University of Kentucky (2013)
- M.Ed. in STEM Education, Slippery Rock University (2007)
- B.A. in Biology, Slippery Rock University (2005)
Dr. Burk's research centers on equine parasitology and equine-assisted services. Her parasitology work investigates immune responses to Parascaris equorum and strongyle infections using advanced immunological and parasitological methods. In equine-assisted services, she employs physiological markers like salivary cortisol and heart rate variability to quantify therapeutic riding's impact on stress reduction in autism spectrum disorders. Additional expertise spans animal nutrition, welfare science, and canine behavior.
Analysis of her publication record reveals a dual research trajectory: advancing evidence-based parasite control through natural anthelmintics and epidemiological studies, while simultaneously validating equine therapy mechanisms for neurodevelopmental conditions. This interdisciplinary approach uniquely bridges veterinary medicine and human health sciences.
Dr. Burk has secured significant external funding:
- Choose Ohio First grant ($462,621.60, 2022) supporting allied health and equine pre-veterinary scholarships
- Horses and Humans Research Foundation grant ($88,000, 2016) for therapeutic riding autism studies
She mentors undergraduate researchers across equine parasitology, nutrition, and welfare projects. Community engagement includes co-coaching the Westerville Special Olympics team and maintaining active certifications as a PATH International Therapeutic Riding Instructor and Equine Sports Massage Therapist, demonstrating her commitment to translational equine-human partnerships.
