91ÖÆƬ³§

Distinguished Professor Award, 2021

Where to start in summarizing the accomplishments and impact Professor Kelley Thomas has had on 91ÖÆƬ³§? Since Kelley’s arrival in 2002, the Hubbard Center for Genome Studies that he directs has enabled groundbreaking scientific discoveries—not just in his own laboratory, but by a multitude of researchers at 91ÖÆƬ³§ and internationally with whom he has generously shared his time and expertise. His record of scholarly publications attests not only to his productivity and impact on the fields of molecular evolution and environmental genomics, but also to his philosophy of conducting collaborative, interdisciplinary research that serves to advance the careers of those with whom he collaborates.

Kelley’s impact extends to the classroom, where he seamlessly integrates state-of-the-art bioinformatics tools with his deep understanding of genome biology that encompasses microbial to human genomics. He has amplified his impact on student learning by also developing a series of NIH-funded bioinformatics training workshops for faculty to accelerate dissemination of the bioinformatic tools so critical for understanding the human genome as well as the complexity of the biosphere.

Kelley’s service is most recently exemplified by his scientific leadership in creating the COVID-19 Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory. 91ÖÆƬ³§â€™s ability to maintain on-campus learning experiences for students during the pandemic can be directly attributed to Kelley’s tireless efforts to create the high-throughput clinical diagnostics lab that will have processed over 1 million specimens by the end of this year.

Kelley’s accomplishments are matched by his modesty and generous spirit, his passion for mentoring genome-enabled scientists, and his commitment to rigor in all endeavors. 91ÖÆƬ³§ is stronger because of Professor Kelley Thomas’s two decades of leadership in the molecular life sciences.