Christopher Burke

Christopher Burke is a Lecturer in Bioinorganic Chemistry in the School of Chemistry at University College Cork (UCC). 

His research primarily focusses on developing photoactive metal-based compounds for sensing and therapy applications to address antimicrobial resistance and cancer. He also leads projects in the areas of green synthesis, biosensing, fluorescence-based tools for forensics, and virtual laboratory education.

Chris previously held a position at UCC as a Lecturer in Bioanalytical Chemistry (2021-2025). From 2018 - 2021, he pursued postdoctoral research that included an IRC Postdoctoral Fellowship across Dublin City University (DCU) and Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI). Chris won an IRC Postgraduate Scholarship in 2013, and completed his PhD studies in the Keyes group at DCU in 2018, graduating with a thesis entitled 'Peptide-directed Metal Complex Luminophores: Candidates for Photodynamic Therapeutics'.

Chris lectures at undergraduate and postgraduate level across the areas of inorganic chemistry, bioanalytical chemistry, medicinal chemistry and forensic science. Current modules where he is active include CM2001, CM3021, CM4017, CM4100, CM4109, and PF6420.

James Stack (PhD student) - Started in Sep 2023, investigating photoactive metal complexes for sensing and therapy applications involving bacteria. Funded by the Research Ireland Enterprise Partnership Scheme with industry partner Novus Diagnostics. Co-supervised by Prof. Colin Hill, School of Microbiology and APC Microbiome Ireland.

Rebecca Galway (PhD student) - Started in Sep 2024, investigating light-switch metal complexes and aptamer combinations as diagnostic and therapy agents against cancer. Funded for a MSc (Research) project by a Research Ireland Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship and now pursuing a PhD with the group. Co-supervised by Prof. Eric Moore, School of Chemistry.

Tara McInerney (PhD student) - Started in Sep 2025, investigating metal complexes targeted to SMAUG1 condensates as diagnostic and therapeutic agents. Funded by a Research Ireland Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship. Co-supervised by Dr. Kellie Dean, School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology.

Kim Keohane (PhD student) - Started in Sep 2025, investigating metal complex luminophores as photodynamic therapeutics for acne. Funded by a Research Ireland Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship. Co-supervised by Prof. Colin Hill, School of Microbiology and APC Microbiome Ireland.

Kaci O'Connell (MSc (Research) student) - Started in Sep 2026, investigating Ru(II) acylthiourea complexes for antimicrobial applications. Co-supervised by Dr. Davide Tiana, School of Chemistry.