Christopher V Kelly

Christopher V Kelly is an Associate Professor and Director of the Richard Barber Interdisciplinary Research Program at Wayne State University's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Department of Physics and Astronomy. He holds academic appointments in biophysics and membrane biology, focusing on nanoscale membrane dynamics, lipid phase behavior, and single-molecule tracking. His research employs advanced optical methods, including polarized localization microscopy and fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy.

• Education: B.A. in Physics (Oberlin College), M.S.E. in Electrical Engineering (University of Michigan), Ph.D. in Applied Physics (University of Michigan), Postdoc at Cornell University.
• Awards: NSF CAREER Award (2017), Sultana N. Nahar Prize (2018), NIH R01 grants (2022, 2024).
• Grants: Active funding includes NIH NIDDK and NICHD projects exploring lipid dynamics and reproductive biology.

Research interests span membrane curvature-driven processes, lipid sorting, and the molecular mechanisms of diseases like liver steatosis. The Kelly Lab develops novel optical tools to study nanoscale membrane phenomena and collaborates across disciplines through the Richard Barber Program. Teaching focuses on biological physics and research methods.

• Lab Activities: Advises over 15 students, including graduate researchers Abir and Zoe, and undergraduate scholars like Sonali Gandhi. Lab members have contributed to high-impact publications on ABHD5, IFT proteins, and lipid droplet dynamics.
• Outreach: Engages in STEM education via Camp Cosmos, Michigan Science Center collaborations, and public lectures.