Burdine, Angelman researcher and parent, recognized for work
Princeton professor wins Angelman Syndrome Foundation award
Rebecca Burdine, PhD, a professor at Princeton University, received two awards for her contributions to Angelman syndrome research.
The Angelman Syndrome Foundation awarded Burdine the 2024 Harry and Audrey Angelman Award for Meritorious Service. The award, named for Harry Angelman, the doctor who first formally described Angelman syndrome, and his wife, Audrey, is given to people who have demonstrated a strong commitment to spreading awareness and advancing understanding of the condition.
Burdine’s connection to Angelman is twofold. As a scientist, she has worked with laboratory models to understand how the body coordinates development, aiming to better understand the biological underpinnings of developmental disorders. She is also the mother of a child with Angelman syndrome: Her daughter was diagnosed with the condition in 2006, just as was starting as an assistant professor.
Angelman syndrome is a genetic disorder marked by symptoms including unusual behaviors and problems communicating that typically make it impossible for patients to live independently.
Burdine was also inducted as a member in the Society for Developmental Biology Academy, a peer-nominated honor that recognizes scientists who have made outstanding achievements in advancing the field of developmental biology. “This is an exceptional honor, as you are nominated by your community and inducted after board vote and approval,” Burdine said in a Princeton press release. “The awardees are long-standing members of the developmental biology community who promote the goals of the Society for Developmental Biology.”
Struggle ‘worth it’
“Both of these honors mean a lot to me because it has been incredibly difficult to maintain a successful academic career while being the mother of a child who needs 24/7 care and is medically fragile,” Burdine said.
Burdine’s research has primarily focused on zebrafish, which are commonly used as a model organism in laboratory settings because they are easy to grow in large numbers. When these animals are young, their bodies are transparent, which makes it easy to look at what’s going on inside during the developmental stages.
She is particularly interested in exploring how the body develops asymmetrically, with certain organs positioned on the right or left side.
“For me, these awards are recognition that while my path has been unique in many ways, the struggle has been worth it as I am making recognized impacts in my research career, in my daughter’s life and for all those living with [Angelman syndrome],” Burdine said.
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