Nathan Burns, PhD

Senior Associate, Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC), Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy

Nathan Burns, PhD, is a senior associate on the Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration team within the Strategic Philanthropy pillar at the Milken Institute. His expertise spans developmental biology, biomedical research, and science and health policy. At the Milken Institute, he works with and advises philanthropists and foundations on strategic approaches to advancing neuroscience research priorities.

Previously, Burns was a fellow at the West Virginia Science and Technology Policy Initiative, where he provided scientific legislative analysis and support to members of the West Virginia Legislature. He earned his PhD in human genetics from the University of Utah. During that time, he also worked with local nonprofits to advance legislative priorities to increase food access for K-12 students, and served on the Public Affairs Committee for the Society for Developmental Biology.

Burns received his bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Miami University and completed a postbaccalaureate fellowship at the National Institutes of Health. He is based at the Institute’s Washington, DC, office.