Kelly Kirker

Kelly Kirker is an Assistant Research Professor in the Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering at Montana State University (MSU), affiliated with the Center for Biofilm Engineering. Her research focuses on medical biofilms, particularly exploring their role in wound chronicity and developing novel in vitro models for biofilm-affected wounds. She investigates antimicrobial biomaterials and anti-biofilm technologies targeting healthcare-associated pathogens.

Education: Ph.D. in Bioengineering from the University of Utah (2003), with a dissertation titled 'Glycosaminoglycan Hydrogels for Wound Healing' under Prof. Glenn D. Prestwich. B.S.E. in Materials Science and Engineering (magna cum laude) from the University of Michigan (1997).

Research highlights include evaluating antimicrobial biomaterial efficacy and developing predictive assays for screening anti-biofilm agents. Current grants include a project with Arrevus Inc. focusing on 'Designer Proline-rich Antimicrobial Peptide Chaperone Protein Inhibitors (DPCs)' against drug-resistant pathogens.

Laboratory affiliations include the Center for Biofilm Engineering's Bioimaging Facility. Her work contributes to translational research bridging biofilm biology and clinical applications in wound care and infection prevention.