Meet Kelsey Kubelick, new Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering
Kelsey Kubelick, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering in the UVA School of Engineering & Applied Sciences. Dr. Kubelick shared with us about her research, background, and interests.
Brain Institute: Briefly describe your current research projects and interests.
Dr. Kubelick: My lab leverages light, sound, nanoconstruct design, and cellular engineering strategies to develop advanced theranostic imaging techniques, with a particular interest in ultrasound and photoacoustic (PA) technologies. PA imaging is a hybrid acoustic and optical modality, in which pulsed laser light irradiation of optical absorbers produces a sound wave. The unique mechanism of PA signal generation enables deep, optical contrast that complements ultrasound. Together, US/PA imaging conveys cellular, molecular, and functional information with anatomical context in vivo. By developing a versatile set of imaging tools, my lab group customizes US/PA imaging approaches to provide guidance, diagnostic feedback, and enhance therapies in vivo in a variety of contexts. Examples include guiding regenerative therapies by tracking stem cell location/status and monitoring adoptive T cells to inform strategies to enhance cancer immunotherapies.
How does your research connect with the field of neuroscience?
As an applications-driven cellular and molecular imaging research group, our ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging toolbox can be adapted and customized to fit a variety of applications and fields, including neuroscience. It is an exciting time for ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging research related to the brain and neurodegenerative diseases. There is great potential to complement existing imaging approaches or develop strategies for image-guided therapies.
Why did you decide to come to UVA?
UVA has been on my radar for a long time for its strong research history in development of ultrasound and photoacoustic technologies. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to participate in the Emerging Leaders Symposium through the Department of Biomedical Engineering. The experience confirmed that the UVA research community was a great fit for my current research interests and future growth, which includes collaborations with the Brain Institute.
What's the best part about your job?
I’ve always loved the atmosphere of working in an academic research lab.
It is rare to find a career path where you have such a high degree of intellectual freedom, creativity, and control to pursue research questions that you find interesting and important. Having the opportunity to guide and mentor the next generation of scientists is a privilege, and it is equally meaningful for me to help others reach their potential in my career.
What led you to a career in science and neuroscience?
During my undergraduate studies, I spent time shadowing clinicians at The University of Chicago Medical Center. My favorite part was learning about the tools used during procedures, how they were designed, and why. This ultimately motivated me to pursue opportunities in biomedical research because I wanted to improve patient care and quality of life through development of new technologies. During my graduate studies, one of my favorite projects was developing an ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging platform for intraoperative and postoperative guidance of stem cell therapies of the spinal cord. The project was a small introduction to the many opportunities for ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging related to neurodegenerative diseases. I am eager to further pursue research in this direction.
What advice do you have for trainees?
You have a wonderful opportunity at this stage of your career to explore a variety of topics. Take advantage of it. Learning something new is always worthwhile, and you never know what will inspire you in research or life.
What's something new that you've learned recently (at work or outside of work)?
My partner, Andrew, recently started running his own book publishing startup called Ripples Media. I’ve enjoyed learning about the book publishing industry through our conversations, and it’s interesting to gain familiarity with a field that is entirely different from scientific research.
Where are you from originally?
I grew up in Pittsburgh, PA (Go Pens!). Since then, I have lived in Chicago, IL, Bluffton, SC, Durham, NC, Austin, TX, and Atlanta, GA. Each city came with unique experiences, and I’m looking forward to exploring Charlottesville.
What's your favorite way to spend a day off?
I compete in Ironman distance triathlons, which consist of a 2.4 mile swim, followed by a 112 mile bike ride, then a 26.2 mile run. On my days off, you’ll find me enjoying a training session! Research and triathlon actually appeal to me for similar reasons. Both are process-oriented endeavors, require continuous, sustained efforts to achieve a long-term goal, and challenge you to push beyond your comfort zone.
What is a surefire way to make you laugh?
My favorite sitcoms are Seinfeld, Frasier, and Cheers. If you subtly reference a Seinfeld episode, I’ll most certainly notice.
Dr. Kubelick was hired as a part of the Grand Challenges Research Investments in Brain and Neuroscience. The Grand Challenges are a key component of the University's 2030 "Great & Good" Strategic Plan, a set of initiatives focused on bringing the University to preeminence in key focus areas while acting in service to society.