Kelly Monk

Kelly Monk is a senior scientist and co-director of the Vollum Institute at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), where she also directs the Vollum/OHSU Neuroscience Graduate Program. Her research focuses on glial cell biology and myelin dynamics in the nervous system using zebrafish and mouse models.

Her educational background includes:

• B.S. in Biochemistry from Elmira College (2001)
• Ph.D. in Cell Biology from the University of Cincinnati (2006)

Dr. Monk's research investigates how glial cells form, maintain, and repair myelin sheaths through neuron-glial and glial-glial interactions. She addresses fundamental questions about axonal ensheathment, membrane spiraling, and signaling pathways in developmental myelination versus regenerative remyelination. Her work bridges molecular mechanisms with functional outcomes in nervous system development and disease.

Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals a consistent focus on molecular regulators of myelination (e.g., Dock1, FBXW7, TMEM63A) across vertebrate models. Her research spans from basic glial cell biology to translational applications for demyelinating disorders like multiple sclerosis, with increasing emphasis on calcium signaling, receptor function, and drug screening approaches.

Her significant contributions have been recognized through prestigious awards:

• NIH BIRCWH Scholar Award (2012)
• Washington University Outstanding Faculty Mentor Award (2015)
• ASCB Emerging Leader Prize Finalist (2015)
• Washington University Distinguished Faculty Award (2016)
• National MS Society Harry Weaver Scholar Award (2016)

As co-director of the Vollum Institute and leader of the Monk lab, she oversees a multidisciplinary team employing advanced genetic, imaging, and biochemical approaches to study glial cell development. Her lab's work on Schwann cells, oligodendrocytes, and astrocytes provides critical insights into nervous system development, injury response, and potential therapeutic interventions for myelin disorders.