Dr. Edward Kelly

Biography

Edward Kelly is an Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Washington, specializing in Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences. He earned his Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Washington, where he developed transgenic knockout mouse models to study the function of the metal-binding protein metallothionein. After completing his post-doctoral fellowship in molecular toxicology at the University of Washington's Department of Environmental Health, Dr. Kelly ventured into the biotech industry, managing a Preclinical Bioanalytics group at Targeted Genetics Corporation. There, he focused on evaluating the safety and efficacy of gene therapies for cystic fibrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and hemophilia. Returning to academia, his research interests remain in preclinical biology, particularly in developing novel models to study normal human physiology and disease states, with a specific focus on the role of cytochrome P450 enzymes in endobiotic and xenobiotic metabolism. His recent work involves using microphysiological systems (organs on chips) populated with stem-cell-derived cell types to model human diseases and organ responses in extreme environments, such as microgravity aboard the International Space Station. Dr. Kelly is also dedicated to mentoring new students in the field of toxicology and biopharmaceutical drug development.

Research Interests