Expertise
- Academic Program Leadership
- Undergraduate Curriculum Development
- Equine Industry Education and Outreach
- Equine Nutrition
- Sustainable Pasture and Grazing Management
RESEARCH FOCUS
- Development of farm management practices that improve the health and welfare of horses while safeguarding the environment
- Understanding and reducing the incidence of obesity in horses
- Effects of grazing muzzles on horse welfare
- Forage utilization in horses
Dr. Amy Burk is a Professor of Equine Science, Director of the Undergraduate Program, and Coordinator of the Equine Studies Program in the Department of Animal and Avian Sciences at the University of Maryland. As Director, she provides academic leadership for over 300 undergraduate majors, spearheading initiatives that enhance student success through strategic curriculum development, excellence in advising, and engaging hands-on and extracurricular learning opportunities.
A nationally recognized leader in equine science and education, Dr. Burk’s Extension and applied research programs focus on advancing environmental stewardship in the horse industry. Her innovative rotational grazing demonstration site has educated nearly 2,000 stakeholders and served as a model for replication at three other universities. Her efforts have contributed to the widespread adoption of best management practices that mitigate non-point source pollution on horse farms.
Dr. Burk has secured nearly $1 million in external funding to support her Extension, research, and academic programming. Her scholarly work includes 30+ peer-reviewed scientific and Extension publications, a book chapter, 20+ educational videos, and more than 100 invited presentations to regional and national audiences
A dedicated educator, Dr. Burk teaches courses in equine science, horse management, reproduction, and hands-on practicum. She also advises the Maryland Equestrian Club and the UMD Eventing Team, providing mentorship that bridges academic and industry engagement.
Her leadership extends beyond campus. Dr. Burk is a governor-appointed member of the Maryland Horse Industry Board and has served as Chair of the National Association of Equine Affiliated Academics and as a board member of the Equine Science Society. Her contributions have been recognized with numerous honors, including the Equine Science Society’s Outstanding Educator Award, the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources’ Integrated Research and Extension Award, and the Gamma Sigma Delta Excellence in Extension Award.
Dr. Burk earned both her MS (1998) and PhD (2001) in Equine Nutrition as a Pratt Fellow at Virginia Tech’s Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences.
