Professor Dr. John Burgess

Biography

John Burgess grew up in Philadelphia, PA. He received his B.S. in 1980, M.S. in 1985, and Ph.D. in 1988 from Pennsylvania State University, specializing in nutritional biochemistry. Following his doctorate, he underwent postdoctoral training in pharmacology at the University of California at Santa Barbara. Since 1990, he has been a faculty member in the Department of Nutrition Science at Purdue University, where he teaches and conducts research. Burgess has mentored and graduated 23 M.S. and Ph.D. students, collaborating with colleagues across different departments. His current research focuses on understanding and mitigating the complications of diabetes, particularly peripheral neuropathies. His studies suggest that oxidative stress due to hyperglycemia is linked to the pathogenesis of peripheral neuropathies through the generation of reactive oxygen species, which overwhelms the body's antioxidant defenses. He is investigating dietary strategies to maintain redox balance to protect peripheral neurons from damage in individuals with diabetes.

Research Interests

Experience

Awards