Kate Burrows, Ph.D
Dr. Kate Burrows, Ph.D., MPH, is an environmental health scientist and Assistant Professor at the University of Chicago’s Department of Public Health Sciences. She holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Epidemiology and an MPH, with a strong interdisciplinary foundation in both quantitative epidemiology and qualitative social-behavioral methods. Her research focuses on how climate- and weather-related extremes impact public health, particularly in the areas of mental health, environmental justice, and health disparities. As the Principal Investigator of the Climate Change & Health Research Group, Dr. Burrows leads projects that examine the health effects of extreme weather events—from hurricanes to temperature fluctuations—on cardiovascular, respiratory, and psychological outcomes. Her work bridges community-based field studies and large-scale data analysis, always grounded in a commitment to equity and the integration of local and Indigenous knowledge in climate adaptation strategies. Prior to her current role, Dr. Burrows served as a postdoctoral fellow studying the health impacts of climate disasters. She has been recognized as a National Geographic Explorer and has conducted pioneering work on environmental displacement and climate-related migration. Beyond research, she is deeply invested in mentoring early-career scholars and translating complex scientific findings into actionable insights for both academic and public audiences.
• Marylhurst University - BA
• Rutgers University–New Brunswick - MA
• Portland State University - PhD
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a deep commitment to independent inquiry and a willingness to challenge conventional boundaries. Being published has played a pivotal role in this journey—it has allowed me to establish credibility as an independent scholar and open doors that might have remained closed within the constraints of the private sector. Through my work, I’ve been able to break down barriers, contribute original perspectives, and engage in thought leadership that pushes the field forward.