James Burke joins the STEM Department

James Burke joins the Math, Science, and Technology Department at The Academy this fall. His teaching experience at the college level in chemistry, geology and astronomy as well as his eclectic interest in music, chess, philosophy and medieval history, make him the perfect addition to The Academy.

James Burke introduces how to properly hold thermometers in his Chem/Physics class.

What is your background and what made you want to come teach at The Academy?

I hold a Bachelor of Science in General Chemistry from Purdue University and a Master of Science in Organic Chemistry from DePaul University. Prior to coming to The Chicago Academy for the Arts, I was involved in breast cancer research within the Department of Preventive Medicine at Northwestern University. In my research for my master’s thesis at DePaul, I synthesized halogenated dopamine analogues, which would be fed to plant cell cultures and behave as precursors to pharmaceutically useful drug candidates produced via specific biosynthetic pathways. Previously, over the past 15 years, I have taught a variety of lecture and laboratory courses in general chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, geology and astronomy at  DePaul University, Harold Washington College, Roosevelt University, and Oakton College. I also worked as a chemical technician in the preparations lab at Purdue University. 

“The values of the academy (a well-rounded education, inclusivity, creativity, community, integrity) really resonate with me.”

Many different things drew me to the community at The Chicago Academy for the Arts. The students are very warm and welcoming, fellow faculty members are very supportive and kind. I really enjoy music and the creative spirit of the academy. The values of the academy (a well-rounded education, inclusivity, creativity, community, integrity) really resonate with me. I was also excited to resume teaching after some time focusing on research exclusively.

Prior to coming to The Chicago Academy for the Arts, Mr. Burke was involved in cancer research within the Department of Preventive Medicine at Northwestern University.

What are you teaching this semester and what was your first week like?

During the fall semester of 2026, I am teaching: Advanced Concepts Chemistry, Anatomy & Physiology, two sections of Chem./Phys., and Scientific Discourse and Debate. My first week was great! It has been wonderful to meet the extremely talented students at the academy and to experience the creative work they are doing outside of academic classes like figure drawing, singing, drumming and scene reading.  I’m settling into my new schedule (just like the students) and I’m really enjoying the classes that I teach.

What were you like in high school?

I was an excellent student in high school. I took as many AP courses as I could: European history, US history, Chemistry, Physics, Calculus etc. I was also heavily involved in many before and after-school activities including: cross-country, swim team, track and field, jazz band, symphonic band, marching band, judo, anime club and chess club. I was involved in the yearly variety shows and musicals (such as West Side Story where I played baritone saxophone in the pit band/orchestra).

What is one thing you want students to know about you?

I have a variety of interests outside of chemistry: I sing and play guitar, piano, banjo, and saxophone, and I like to read about physics, astronomy, philosophy and medieval history.