Dr. Kristina Burrack is preparing for a voyage to Antarctica
Dr. Burrack's participation in the Homeward Bound program highlights her commitment to leadership, collaboration, and advocacy for gender equity and environmental conservation in STEMM.
Bridging Science and Leadership: Voyage from Lab to Antarctica
Dr. Kristina Burrack's journey through academia has been nothing short of remarkable. From her early days as a postdoctoral fellow in the Center for
Immunology (CFI), where she led groundbreaking research on malaria infection and vaccination, to her pivotal role as a founding member of Empowering Women in Science (EWIS), Dr. Burrack has consistently demonstrated her commitment to advancing the frontiers of knowledge and empowering the next generation of scientists.
Today, as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine and a faculty member at the CFl, as well as an investigator at the Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute, Dr. Burrack's passion for global health and equality in STEM fields continues to drive her work. Her lab's focus on investigating therapies to improve the immune response to malaria vaccination represents a crucial step forward in understanding and combatting this devastating disease. Malaria remains the third-leading cause of infectious disease death around the world. Thus, there is a critical need for highly efficacious vaccines.
However, Dr. Burrack's dedication to scientific inquiry extends beyond the laboratory. Her involvement in the Homeward Bound program, an Australian-based leadership initiative for women in STEMM, is a testament to her belief in the power of collaboration, leadership, and advocacy to effect positive change in the world. By participating in this transformative program, Dr. Burrack seeks to amplify her voice as a champion for environmental conservation and gender equity in STEMM fields.
Homeward Bound's focus on empowering women in science to become leaders and advocates for positive change resonates deeply with Dr. Burrack's values and aspirations. Through her participation in the 2023-2024 Homeward Bound cohort, Dr. Burrack has engaged in a year-long virtual program designed to cultivate leadership skills among women from diverse backgrounds. This program, which features over 100 women from 25 nationalities across 18 countries, equips participants to tackle significant global challenges and develop confidence, strategic thinking, and effective leadership.
The program has a focus on climate change and sustainability and thus culminates in a trip to Antarctica in early 2025. With its pristine wilderness and awe-inspiring landscapes, Antarctica serves as the perfect backdrop for this journey of personal and professional growth. As she prepares to
embark on this bold and audacious adventure, Dr. Burrack's commitment to advancing her leadership skills and contributing to the global conversation on gender equality in STEMM shines brightly.
Dr. Burrack's involvement in Homeward Bound underscores her dedication to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEMM fields and highlights her unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on a global scale. Gender inequality in STEM fields remains pervasive, with women facing systemic, cultural, and societal barriers that undermine their ability to excel and reach leadership positions, especially those with children who encounter additional hurdles.
When asked about how Homeward Bound addresses the challenges faced by women in STEMM, Dr. Burrack responded:
"The data clearly show that gender inequality in STEM fields is widespread, undermining the potential of talented individuals and
creating significant obstacles for women pursuing academic and leadership roles. Despite progress, women continue to face
systemic, cultural, and societal barriers that contribute to their underrepresentation, especially in senior positions. As a mother
of three young children, I am acutely aware of the additional hurdles faced by women with children, which fueled my interest in
the Homeward Bound leadership program. Homeward Bound equips women across various STEM fields worldwide with the skills
and mindset needed to lead both now and in the future. Its mission is to forge a new model of leadership that is collaborative,
inclusive, and focused on leaving a lasting legacy. While the journey towards a more equitable and inclusive academic
environment may be challenging, the effort is undeniably worthwhile. This transformation not only supports women but also
enriches the entire scientific community and society at large."
In the tapestry of academia, Dr. Burrack emerges as a luminary whose journey from postdoctoral fellow to principal investigator reflects the transformative power of passion, perseverance, and purpose. As she prepares to embark on the Homeward Bound Antarctica expedition, she serves as a poignant reminder of the indomitable spirit of exploration that propels us onward, towards new horizons of knowledge and understanding.
For more information on the Homeward Bound Program and to support Dr. Burrack's journey to Antarctica, visit the following links:
https://homewardboundprojects.com.au/hb8/
https://www.hhrinstitute.org/donate-to-infectious-diseases/
https://fundly.com/kristina-burrack-homeward-bound
