Drs. Dan and Lisa Burden Receive $270,000 Grant Renewal from National Science Foundation

The National Science Foundation awarded Drs. Dan and Lisa Burden with additional funds for their work uncovering silent translocations in nanopores and ion channels. Other investigators have suspected that the phenomenon existed, but the Burdens’ lab was the first to directly observe the phenomenon, clearly measure it, and confirm these suppositions were accurate. After the initial three-year grant they received from NSF concluded this past May, the Burdens were excited to receive a grant renewal in August. The “Special Creativity Extension” is based primarily on technical results recently published in two scientific journals, along with their future research plans.

As they continue their research, the Burdens have an opportunity to expand what they have already accomplished and more closely consider the implications of their work.

“The Special Creativity Extension provides the opportunity to engage in higher-risk, higher-reward research over the next two years that we would not otherwise be in a position to pursue,” said Lisa, Assistant Professor of Biochemistry. 

The Burdens’ research provides information about how nanopores can be used to improve measurements used in DNA sequencing. Their work with certain molecules could have numerous applications such as testing water for cleanliness, screening blood samples, or creating more tailored drug delivery systems.

Wheaton faculty research projects also offer a unique opportunity to current undergraduate students from across multiple science majors, and the Burdens’ lab is no exception.

“It’s a neat collaborative environment,” said Lisa. “The student involvement in our work is essential. The two of us can’t do the same work by ourselves. We need students to help and participate at every level.”

With oversight and training from the Burdens throughout the school year, students conduct experiments, create visuals for publications, and assist with research writing. Students receive a stipend for their work, which is busiest during the summer months when the Burdens have more time to dedicate to research. The Burdens are committed to making time in their lab a highly collaborative, hands-on learning experience, equipping them well for industry, graduate school, or other next steps. In their integration of faith and learning, the Burdens also create space to help their students discern what it means to be skilled scientists who are Christians.

“The small group mentorship environment offers students a unique opportunity to explore what it means to live as a person of faith while passionately pursuing a research-oriented career,” said Dan, Professor of Analytical Chemistry. “It raises the question, ‘How do we balance an intense pursuit of science with a commitment to spiritual growth?’ This project promotes a level of teacher-student guidance beyond what can be accommodated in a typical Wheaton classroom, allowing us to more powerfully demonstrate the integration of faith and science.”

—Juliana Bacote