David (Dave) Kelly, PhD, assistant professor in the Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, died on Sept. 18.
Dr. Kelly joined the Eppley Institute in 1986 as a research technician II. He received his PhD in molecular and cell biology in 1994 under the mentorship of Angie Rizzino, PhD.
Following that, Dr. Kelly held the positions in the Eppley Institute of postdoctoral research fellow, research associate, research assistant professor and was promoted to assistant professor in 2015.
Dr. Kelly led the Molecular Biology Facility/High-Throughput Screening Core Facility for 19 years. He had a strong background in molecular and cell biology and extensive experience in DNA synthesis, sequencing, microarray and small molecule screening.
In his role as the administrator for the high-throughput screening facility, Dr. Kelly worked closely with members of the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center to develop, design, test, perform, process and analyze screens. He also served as the co-chair of the scientific review committee for the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center.
“Dave was passionate about his work, kind, humble and helpful to anyone who sought out his assistance,” said Kenneth Cowan, MD, PhD, director of the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center and the Eppley Institute. “I send my deepest condolences to his wife, Taina, his family, and all who knew Dave as a colleague, and more importantly, as a friend.”
Dr. Rizzino said: “I have many fond memories of Dave as a doctoral student in my lab who excelled in so many ways, as a friend who would always go the extra mile to help you solve a problem and as a person who had a big heart.
“His 35 years at UNMC made the Eppley Institute and the cancer center a better place. I, like so many others, will miss him.”
A celebration of life for Dr. Kelly will be held Sunday, Oct. 1, at 2 p.m. at the Heafey-Hoffman-Dworak-Cutler West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road.
I am so sorry to hear about Dave’s passing. I worked on the same floor in Eppley institute when Dave was in Dr. Rizzino’s lab. His personality and kindness still stand out in my mind. He was a genuinely good person. My heart goes out to his family and I will keep them in my prayers.