Jessica KeltsView profile
Professor
Jessica Kelts is a Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry in the College of Innovation and Technology at the University of Michigan-Flint. She has been a faculty member since 2009, advancing from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor in 2016 and currently holding the rank of Professor. She served as Interim Chair (2016) and Department Chair (2018–2021) of the Department of Chemistry. Her research and teaching are centered on biochemistry, organic chemistry, and cancer biology. Education: Ph.D. in Biological Chemistry, Purdue University, 2005 B.Sc. in Chemistry, University of Michigan-Flint, 2000 Research Interests: Jessica Kelts' research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms of breast cancer, particularly triple-negative breast cancer. Her work investigates the reactivation of the tumor suppressor protein p53 using small molecules such as APR-246, arsenic trioxide, and COTI-2, and their impact on cancer cell viability, migration, and invasion. She also explores the role of vitamin D in modulating cancer cell growth and immune responses, as well as the generation of reactive oxygen species in cell culture. Her expertise spans protein expression, enzyme kinetics, membrane protein isolation, and high-throughput assays. Publication Trends: Her recent publications (2022–2023) reflect a strong focus on cancer therapeutics, particularly the interplay between p53 reactivators and vitamin D in triple-negative breast cancer. Earlier works delve into enzyme kinetics, assay development, and protein prenylation, showcasing her deep biochemical background. The articles span disciplines including biochemistry, oncology, analytical chemistry, and virology (evident in her 2022 COVID-19 review), indicating a broad yet cohesive research trajectory centered on molecular mechanisms in disease. Scientific Awards: No formal awards are listed in the provided text. Advising and Grants: Dr. Kelts actively mentors students, many of whom are co-authors on her publications and conference presentations. She has secured significant funding as Principal Investigator (PI) from sources including the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Ben F. Bryer Foundation, the Dr. Ben F. Bryer Medical Research Instrumentation Fund, and internal UM-Flint programs such as the Office of Research Grant Writing Academy and the RCAC. Her grants support research on vitamin D, curcumin, small molecules in breast cancer, and instrumentation for biomedical research. She has also served as CoPI on instrumentation grants, demonstrating collaborative leadership in lab development. Labs and Teams: Dr. Kelts leads a research team at UM-Flint focused on cancer biochemistry and drug discovery. Her lab utilizes cell culture, cytotoxicity assays, and molecular techniques to study breast cancer mechanisms. She collaborates with colleagues in chemistry and biochemistry and has ties to broader scientific communities through ACS meetings and interdisciplinary research. Her work is supported by advanced instrumentation funded through multiple grants, enabling high-quality research in a teaching-focused university environment.
