Snapshot: Nick Burchfield

Position: Philanthropy Officer for corporate and foundation relations

Responsibilities: Burchfield’s role within The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) Philanthropy Department is to raise funds from foundations and corporations to support TSRI’s medical research, educational programs and other endeavors that help the institute achieve its mission. He works with funding organizations of all sizes, both locally and nationally, to share the cutting-edge disease research under way at TSRI. He also works with TSRI faculty to identify funding needs and write proposals.

Background: Born in Milton, Massachusetts, Burchfield received a BS in sociology from Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut. Moving to San Diego in 2002, he worked as a research assistant at San Diego State University and, most recently, as the foundation development officer at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute. He says of his time in California, “Every morning I wake up feeling very fortunate to call San Diego my home. To be a part of a world-class Institute like TSRI just makes it even more special.”

Arrived at TSRI: June 2012

Impressions of TSRI: “In the public awareness of TSRI’s brilliant scientists working hard to cure disease, what can easily be overlooked is the passion and dedication these scientists bring to their pursuit of knowledge. Every time I speak to one of our researchers—whether a 22-year-old first-year graduate student or a Nobel Laureate—I am in awe of their dedication and commitment. I often tell donors that the labs are just as busy on Saturday night as they are on Monday morning. And it’s true! I’m very proud to be working with them.”

Professional and Volunteer Activities: Burchfield is a member the Association for Fundraising Professionals, the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network and the ARCS Foundation Community Advisory Council, an organization that provides awards to academically outstanding U.S. citizens pursuing degrees in science, engineering and medical research.

Other Extracurricular Activities: Burchfield lives in Encinitas with his wife and soon-to-be-3-year-old son, so his “hobbies” are currently limited to building Lego towers and explaining why you can’t have Goldfish crackers for dinner.

Send comments to: press[at]scripps.edu