Michelle A Kelliher

Michelle A. Kelliher, PhD, is a Professor holding the Our Danny Cancer Fund Chair in Biomedical Research I at UMass Chan Medical School, affiliated with the Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology. She also holds positions in multiple graduate programs including Cancer Biology, Immunology and Microbiology, Interdisciplinary Graduate Program, MD/PhD Program, and Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program.

Dr. Kelliher completed her education with a B.A. in Biology from Smith College, M.S. in Biology from Yale University, and Ph.D. in Immunology from Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences. Her post-doctoral training was completed in the Department of Genetics at Harvard Medical School.

Her research focuses on two primary areas: Mechanisms of Leukemogenesis (particularly pediatric T-ALL using genetically engineered mouse models and patient-derived xenografts) and RIP Kinases in Cell Death and Inflammation (examining RIPK1's role in regulating necroptosis, apoptosis, and inflammatory responses). Current research directions include identifying genes/pathways mediating leukemia-initiating cell survival, understanding glucocorticoid resistance in leukemia, and investigating RIPK1's role in inflammatory diseases.

Her publications (2020-2025) predominantly explore leukemia biology, cell death mechanisms (particularly necroptosis and pyroptosis), kinase signaling pathways, therapeutic targets in hematological malignancies, and computational biology tools. Recent work emphasizes overcoming treatment resistance in T-ALL, inflammation regulation, and developing targeted therapies.

Awards & Honors:

• Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Special Fellow Award (1995-1998)
• Sidney Kimmel Cancer Scholar Award (2000-2002)
• Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Scholar Award (2003-2008)
• Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Stohlman Scholar Award (2008)
• Hyundai Hope on Wheels Award for Pediatric Cancer (2013-2015)

Dr. Kelliher leads the Kelliher Lab, which focuses on translational approaches for leukemia treatment using PDX models. The lab seeks to understand leukemia-initiating cells and develop combination therapies. She mentors students and postdoctoral researchers, with positions available for postdoctoral scholars.