The Burkard laboratory seeks to understand basic mechanisms of cell division and use this knowledge to improve treatment of patients with cancer. The laboratory combines modeling in human cells and organoids with experimental data derived from patients. Cutting edge techniques used in the laboratory include confocal and super-resolution microscopy, CRISPR editing, single-cell and bulk genomics. 

Research Interests

Dr. Mark Burkard is a physician-scientist and medical oncologist with a primary focus on breast cancer biology, precision oncology, and cancer genomics. His translational research bridges clinical practice and laboratory discovery, with the goal of improving cancer diagnosis, treatment, and long-term patient outcomes through personalized approaches. He is an elected member of the American Association of Clinical Investigation. He directs the University of Iowa Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center and serves as Associate Dean of Cancer Research at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine.