Professor Dr. Michael Burkart

Professor

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Biography

Michael Burkart is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of California, San Diego, where he also serves as the Associate Director of the California Center for Algae Biotechnology. His research interests focus on natural product synthesis and biosynthesis, exploring metabolic engineering and biological chemistry enzymology. Burkart's lab is dedicated to understanding and engineering complex biosynthetic pathways, particularly in the synthesis of biofuels and biodegradable plastics from algae. Through interdisciplinary collaborations, his work also extends to drug discovery in medicinal chemistry, emphasizing the development of anticancer agents and potential therapeutic strategies targeting spliceosomal modulators. He has received numerous accolades for his contributions to science, including Fellowship with the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the Royal Society of Chemistry. Burkart has actively worked to integrate community outreach through educational initiatives aimed at developing a workforce for the green economy.

Research Interests

Natural Product Synthesis Biosynthesis Biological Chemistry Enzymology Metabolic Engineering

Experience

Professor

2012-01-01 — Present

University of California, San Diego • La Jolla, CA

Leading research and teaching in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.

Associate Professor

2008-01-01 — 2012-01-01

University of California, San Diego • La Jolla, CA

Conducting research and instructing students in chemistry.

Assistant Professor

2002-01-01 — 2008-01-01

University of California, San Diego • La Jolla, CA

Engaging in research activities and undergraduate teaching.

NIH Postdoctoral Fellow

2000-01-01 — 2002-01-01

Harvard Medical School • Boston, MA

Working on advanced research projects in organic chemistry.

Awards

Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Postdoctoral Scholar Mentoring

2019-01-01

Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)

2017-01-01

Fellow, Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC)

2015-01-01

Organic Biomolecular Chemistry Lecture Award

2010-01-01

Alfred P. Sloan Fellowship

2007-01-01

American Cancer Society Research Scholar

2006-01-01

National Science Foundation CAREER Award

2004-01-01

Ellison Medical Foundation, New Scholar Award

2003-01-01

Bristol-Myers Squibb Graduate Fellowship

1998-01-01

Zevi & Bertha Salsburg Award for Excellence in Chemistry

1994-01-01

Requirements for University of California, San Diego

Doctorate Program

Requirements

GPA Requirement

Required:3

TOEFL

Total

Required:85

IELTS

Overall

Required:7

Duolingo

Overall Score

Required:120

Overall

Required:120

Prerequisites

Bachelor's degree in physical, biological, or earth sciences, mathematics, or engineering. Differential and integral calculus. One year of calculus-based physics with laboratory. One year of chemistry with laboratory.

Application Checklist

Statement of Purpose (max 2 pages)
Unofficial transcripts
Three letters of recommendation
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Application fee ($135 domestic / $155 international)

Specialization Notes

Administered by the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Curricular groups include Climate-Ocean-Atmosphere (COAP), Geosciences (GEO), and Ocean Biosciences (OBP).