Christopher Burke Email & Phone Number

North Chicago, Illinois, Us

Cerevel Therapeutics was acquired by AbbVie on August 1, 2024.

North Chicago, Illinois, Us

New York, New York, Us

• Senior Scientist in Discovery Biology, utilizing patient-derived iPSC and cell line models to validate small molecule targets relevant to neurodegenerative disease. Conducted biochemical and imaging-based experiments to assay changes in Parkinson's Disease and ALS-relevant phenotypes.• Led an early-stage discovery program for a dual ALS/ Parkinson’s Disease target. Early successful efforts led to nomination of target for additional resources.• Assessed tissue samples from preclinical animal studies for putative target engagement and efficacy biomarkers of Parkinson’s Disease. • Managed and mentored two direct reports (Associate and Scientist level) to advance early discovery programs.• Designed and managed external projects performed at CROs.• Member of the Mammalian Biology Target Validation Team, played an active role in helping guide target selection and validation for our portfolio.

Watertown, Massachusetts, Us

A core member of the Neurodegenerative Disease team, working to validate and advance target programs, develop assays to interrogate small molecule inhibitors and guide exploratory target selection for the NDD portfolio• Established and optimized assays to measure modulation of Parkinson’s Disease (PD) and ALS-related phenotypes in cell culture models using multiple high-content imaging and biochemistry approaches. Developed workflows to routinely screen small molecules• Developed and optimized activity probe and HTRF-based assays to measure compound target engagement in cell lines and ex-vivo brain samples. Built correlational analyses for our assays to support medicinal chemistry• Led Forma’s collaboration with SITraN, University of Sheffield, UK to profile compounds in PD/ ALS patient-derived neurons and coordinated external experiments done at the Oxford Drug Discovery Institute, Oxford, UK as part of a larger collaboration• Presented data at internal and external scientific meetings and to collaborators• Directly managed and mentored associate scientists to advance target programs including one direct report

Watertown, Massachusetts, Us

Cambridge, Ma, Us

Investigated the role of novel modulators of Parkinson’s Disease (PD) pathology using mammalian cell culture and Drosophila. Mentors: Subhabrata Sanyal Ph.D. and Warren Hirst Ph.D• Established Drosophila degenerative and cognitive behavioral assays, cell and biochemistry-based assays for autophagy and imaging based assays• Co-led cross-departmental team around an exploratory drug target for PD, Coordinated and directed monthly meetings with members of Biology, Medicinal Chemistry, Epigenetics, Research Technology and Molecular Therapeutics to guide exploration into target biology and drugability• Established and maintained scientific collaborations both internally and externally• Techniques include: mammalian cell culture, transfection, electroporation, SiRNA, viral vectors, Drosophila genetics, and behavioral assays, neurodegenerative assays, immunohistochemistry, high-throughput RNAi screens, RNASeq and analysis, molecular biology, qRTPCR, WB, CO-IP, drug dosing in cells and flies, PLA

Worcester, Ma, Us

Delineated the neural circuit mechanisms underlying reinforcement of appetitive memory in Drosophila. Mentor: Scott Waddell, Ph.D.• Extensive fly genetics and molecular biology to manufacture and verify strains for behavioral and anatomical analysis, as well as confocal microscopy and live-imaging of intracellular calcium.• Implemented the use of non-metabolizable sugars and nutritious supplements as reinforcing stimuli in olfactory classical conditioning in Drosophila.• Developed new assays to quantify survival, ingestion and palatability.• Developed new “artificial learning” behavioral paradigms to study reinforcement signaling using state of the art thermogenetic tools.

Boston, Ma, Us

Performed experiments screening for genetic and chemical enhancers and modifiers in a zebrafish model of melanoma. Lab of Leonard Zon, M.D. Hematology/Oncology Department• Techniques include PCR, molecular cloning, large-scale sequencing and genotyping, embryonic microinjection, transgenesis, RT-PCR, DNA and RNA purification from tissue samples, live-imaging and fluorescence microscopy.• Responsible for zebrafish husbandry, feeding, breeding and maintenance of over 60 genetic lines.

Doctor Of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Biomedical Science - Neuroscience

Bachelor Of Science (B.S.), Biology/Biological Sciences