Her Story
About Kelly
Kelly Flanagan serves as a Senior Research Scientist at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, where she specializes in molecular biology with a focus on DNA, proteins, and cellular processes. With a passion for understanding the complexities of life at the molecular level, Kelly applies her expertise to academic medical research and innovative scientific discovery. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Saint Louis University in 2003 and completed her Ph.D. in Biology/Biological Sciences at The Scripps Research Institute in 2010, where she conducted advanced research involving molecular pathways, microscopy, and protein analysis.
Following her doctoral studies, Kelly continued her scientific career through postdoctoral research at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where she studied Geobacter sulfurreducens and explored microbial systems, and at Mount Holyoke College, where she investigated Bacillus subtilis sporulation and bacterial regulation. She joined the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School in 2017, where her current work focuses on engineering bacterial systems for therapeutic applications and optimizing biologics platforms. Kelly is a member of the Society of Invertebrate Pathology and has also demonstrated her commitment to service through volunteer work, including providing companionship for an elderly woman and fostering cats.
Kelly attributes her success to her deep sense of awe and appreciation for nature, which continues to inspire her curiosity and approach to scientific exploration. She values honesty and the pursuit of truth, believing that science serves as a pathway toward understanding the world around us. Her advice to young women entering the field is to document their experiences, take thoughtful notes, explore through independent experiments, ask questions, and follow their curiosity. Kelly believes that true fulfillment comes from loving what you do and allowing passion and discovery to guide your career journey.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kelly
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my deep sense of awe and appreciation for nature. Nature has always been my greatest teacher, reminding me of the power of resilience, creativity, balance, and continuous growth. By staying curious and following the things that inspire and amaze me, I have been able to approach my work and life with humility, passion, and a commitment to learning. I believe that when we follow what truly inspires us, we open ourselves to new possibilities and discover meaningful paths toward success.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is to love what I do. When you are truly passionate about your work, it no longer feels like a job; it becomes an opportunity to explore, create, and make a meaningful impact. I believe that following what inspires and excites me allows me to bring my best self forward each day. By embracing curiosity, seeking moments of awe, and pursuing the things that truly captivate me, I have found greater fulfillment, purpose, and success in my career.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering my industry is to stay curious, embrace continuous learning, and never stop asking questions. Document everything, take thoughtful notes, and use each experience as an opportunity to grow. I encourage you to conduct your own technical experiments, explore new ideas, and develop a deeper understanding of your work beyond the immediate task at hand. While it is important to understand and deliver on your responsibilities, always challenge yourself to ask one more question and seek new perspectives. Following your curiosity can lead to innovation, discovery, and opportunities you may never have imagined.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is the amount of administrative work required, particularly the time spent completing paperwork and filling out field forms. While documentation is an essential part of maintaining accuracy and accountability, it can sometimes take valuable time away from hands-on work, exploration, and problem-solving. The opportunity lies in finding more efficient processes and tools that streamline administrative tasks, allowing professionals to focus more on innovation, collaboration, and the work that creates the greatest impact.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in my work and personal life are honesty and a commitment to seeking the truth. I believe that integrity is the foundation of meaningful work and lasting relationships. Science, in particular, represents a disciplined approach to discovering and understanding truth through curiosity, evidence, and continuous exploration. By remaining honest, open-minded, and dedicated to learning, I strive to approach every challenge with integrity and a genuine desire to uncover what is real and meaningful.
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