Burch, Christina

UNC Service

I have been a member of the UNC Faculty Council for the last 3 years. In addition, I have been a frequent panel member at both NIH and NSF, a council member of the American Genetics Association, associate editor for the scientific journal Evolution, chair of the Biology department website and teaching evaluation committees, and a member of numerous search and promotion committees.

Candidate Statement

My research examines the genetics of adaptation using computational models of gene networks as well as experimental populations of microbes. My work is highly interdisciplinary, and I collaborate with researchers from biology, virology, epidemiology, and statistics. My primary goals are to support UNC’s mission as the flagship research University for North Carolina in two ways: 1) by providing first rate educational opportunities for both undergraduates and graduates, and 2) by maintaining a cutting-edge research program. I believe that the second goal depends on the first. Thus, I have been instrumental in developing teaching strategies in one of our largest STEM courses to help students succeed regardless of their educational background and, in 2008, I won the UNC Graduate School Faculty Award for Excellence in doctoral mentoring.