A native of Memphis, Tenn., Sophie Burke comes to St. Jude after earning her bachelor’s in biochemistry and molecular biology from Rhodes College.
Burke's research interests focus on understanding how glial cell interactions shape neuroinflammation and influence the development and progression of neurological disease. She shows a particular interest in the molecular mechanisms that regulate immune signaling in the brain and how these pathways drive disease progression. As she begins her PhD training, Burke hopes to uncover mechanisms of neuroimmune dysfunction and translate these discoveries into therapeutic strategies for neurological disorders.
The Rhodes graduate returns to St. Jude after having participated in the Rhodes Summer Plus Fellowship at the institution from 2023-24. The fellowship offers qualified Rhodes students an intensive research experience that pairs students with St. Jude scientists and places them into St. Jude’s labs for a period of two summers and the intervening academic year.
Burke’s research experiences at St. Jude inspired her to pursue a PhD because they showed the impact of collaborative, discovery-driven science. Joining the St. Jude Graduate School allows Burke to continue training in an environment that supports scientific curiosity, innovation, and mentorship while pursuing her interests in neuroinflammation and glial biology.
Hometown: Memphis, TN
Education:
2026 BS, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (Minor in Mathematics) – Rhodes College
Awards/Honors/Scholarships:
2026 Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK), Rhodes College
2025 Gamma Sigma Epsilon (GSE), Rhodes College
2024 Beta Beta Beta (TriBeta), Rhodes College
2023 Summer Plus Fellowship, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital