Rebecca Burdine, a faculty member in the Department of Molecular Biology at Princeton, has recently received accolades for her contributions to research in developmental biology and advocacy for Angelman Syndrome, a rare genetic nervous system disorder.

Her induction into the Society for Developmental Biology Academy, which advances research and education in the field, acknowledges individuals who have influenced the discipline and demonstrated outstanding achievements. Nominees are selected by peers and undergo a competitive screening process, with only 10 candidates selected annually for approval by its board of directors.

“This is an exceptional honor, as you are nominated by your community and inducted after board vote and approval,” said Burdine. “The awardees are long-standing members of the developmental biology community who promote the goals of the Society for Developmental Biology.”

Leading the Burdine Lab at Princeton, Burdine and her research team use zebrafish to study and unravel the intricate developmental mechanisms that control left-right patterning and organ shape development. Their groundbreaking work investigates the origins of structural birth anomalies.

In addition to her achievements in developmental biology, the Angelman Syndrome Foundation has honored Burdine with the 2024 Harry & Audrey Angelman Award for Meritorious Service. The award celebrates her unwavering support for the foundation’s mission and raising awareness and understanding of Angelman Syndrome, which symptoms cause physical and intellectual disabilities.

Burdine’s connection to AS is deeply personal — her daughter was diagnosed with the condition in 2006, just as she was starting as an assistant professor. Her distinct perspective as a scientist and a parent has been instrumental to the foundation in driving research and treatment options for the disorder.

“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,” said Burdine. “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 AS.”