Laura (Kai) Burrus

Dr. Burrus' research has historically focused on identifying the biochemical and cellular mechanisms underlying Wnt gradient formation in chick embryos. Her work on Wnt signaling is relevant to birth defects as well as cancer and has been funded by NIH, NSF, CSUPERB, and MDA over the last 20 years. Dr. Burrus is currently transitioning her research from understanding the biochemical and cellular mechanisms underlying Wnt gradient formation in chick embryos to analyzing the role of microbes in climate change resilience. This transition is motivated by her love of the outdoors along with the recognition that climate change is inherently racist. In the words of Hop Hopkins, "You can’t have climate change without sacrifice zones, and you can’t have sacrifice zones without disposable people, and you can't have disposable people without racism." She is also actively involved with Lifting Black Voices in STEM and is leading an effort to launch an interdisciplinary Certificate in Climate Change Causes, Impacts, and Solutions. As one of five LGBTQIA biology faculty in the Dept of Biology at SFSU, she brings unique perspectives and has collaborated on research exploring how biology faculty language used in classrooms may influence feelings of inclusivity.

• BIOL 230  Introductory Biology I
• BIOL 360/760 Cancer Biology
• BIOL 654 Peer Assistants for Learning Science (PALS)
• BIOL 694 Cooperative Internship in Biology
• BIOL 699 Independent Study in Biology

Publications listed on the National Library of Medicine website.

I am a woman and a member of the LGBTQIA community. I am passionate about working with students and faculty from diverse backgrounds. In my free time, I love to be outside (hiking or biking), and I enjoy photography (check out my Instagram feed @outerlands_photography!).