PERSONAL

I am a doctoral candidate currently in my third year at the University of Virginia working in both the Departments of Biology and of Environmental Sciences. I am a responsible, hard-working, dedicated, enthusiastic, and creative individual in good health with no physical limitations. My hobbies include playing guitar and fiddle, hiking, dancing, yoga, writing, mushroom hunting, and vegetable gardening.

EDUCATION

•  Doctoral candidate in Ecology in the Dept. of Biology at the University of Virginia .

•  B. S. in Environmental Science with a Biology minor and a concentration in Ecology, Biodiversity, and Conservation Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , graduated in May 2005 with 3.581 G.P.A.

---------- Central Carolina Community College – “Introduction to Sustainable Agriculture”, Spring 2005

---------- Highlands Biological Station – UNC-CEP Field Site semester study during Fall 2004.

---------- Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa , Mexico – semester study abroad during Spring 2003.

•  J. H. Rose High School, Greenville , NC , graduated June 6, 1998, 19th of 367 with a 4.833 G.P.A.

EMPLOYMENT

•  Fall 2006-Fall 2007: Teaching Assistant for Introduction to Biology Labs (Biol 203, 204)

•  Summer 2005: Intern, Elysian Fields Farm , Cedar Grove , NC

•  Fall 2004: Intern for Riparian Zone Project, Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory –USDA Forest Service LTER research on the effects of stream buffers on riparian zones of headwater streams.

•  Summer 2004: Field Research Assistant, Princeton University and Highlands Biological Station – study of dispersal patterns of aquatic snails subject to different stream gradients.

•  Summer 2002: Assistant Naturalist, Highlands Biological Station Nature Center

•  Summer 2001: Intern, NC Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources, Washington , NC

TEACHING

•  2007: Mentor in the NSF sponsored REU (Research Experiences for Undergraduates) program

•  2006, 2007, 2008: Teaching assistant for Introduction to Biology Labs (Biol 203, 204)

•  2006: Mentor to an undergraduate field assistant

PUBLICATIONS

Burke, KL. 2007. History of the American Chestnut, Prehistory to Present. Journal of the American Chestnut Foundation. 11 (2): 46-54.

PRESENTATIONS & ABSTRACTS

Burke, KL. 2007. Changes in pattern and process of a forest community following disturbance. Ecology & Evolution Seminar, University of Virginia . February 2007. Charlottesville , VA.

Burke, KL; Rozendaal, D; Gee, H; Sanford, G; Copenheaver, C. 2006. Dynamics of two forest stands at Cape Perpetua, Oregon . North American Dendroecological Fieldweek. May 2006. Newport , OR .

Burke, KL; Clinton, BD. 2004. Riparian structure and function in a southern Appalachian forested headwater catchment. In: Land Use Change and Implications for Biodiversity on the Highlands Plateau. A report by the Carolina Environmental Program. Highlands , NC: Highlands Biological Station, 60-76.

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GRANTS, FELLOWSHIPS, & AWARDS

•  University of Virginia Presidential Fellowship ($3000)

•  Mountain Lake Biological Station Summer Fellowship ($1800)

•  Samuel Miller Fund ($22,000)

•  American Association for the Advancement of Science Program for Excellence in Science, 2007

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PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES

Southern Appalachian Botanical Society

American Chestnut Foundation

American Association for the Advancement of Science

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ACTIVITIES

Ivy Creek Foundation Member

Virginia Native Plant Society member (Jefferson chapter)