Kathleen Ann Burke, a longtime research scientist at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, died June 30. She was 66.

Kathleen Ann Burke

Born in in Newark, New Jersey, Burke graduated from Douglas College and received her Master of Science from Penn State. After graduate work at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, she moved to Los Angeles, where she worked at USC for more than 20 years until her retirement in 2011.

As a scientist, she specialized in researching gene therapy, and managed two large labs. Her last project focused on developing a new therapy for AIDS patients.

Burke was known for her love of science and lab investigations, as well as camping and soccer. Also known as a stalwart Los Angeles Dodgers fan, she attended her last game in early June despite her illness. The Dodgers won.

Burke is survived by her husband, Dave Wyman; her daughters, Rebecca Gold and Nora Wyman; her son-in-law, Lee Gold; and granddaughter Willa Belle Gold. She is also survived by her siblings Jackie Ginty, Patricia Burke Valdes, Barbara Wroblewski and John Burke.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to the Lung Cancer Alliance.