The named professorship is awarded to a senior investigator with a strong history and established track record in pediatric oncology research.
“Mark is a dedicated scientist with the experience and national network in pediatric hematology/oncology,” said Richard L. Schreiner, chair of Department of Pediatrics. “We are pleased to give him this appointment. He has been a leader in pediatrics cancer research ever since he arrived at the Indiana University School of Medicine in 1993.”
The Herr Professorship was established by Dr. Earl B. Herr Jr. and his wife Elizabeth Herr through the Riley Children’s Foundation. Dr. Herr served as a member of the foundation’s board of governors for more than 20 years. He was an employee of Eli Lilly & Company for 36 years and served as president of Lilly Research laboratories and as executive vice president of Eli Lilly. The Lilly Endowment was a major contributor to the professorship.
Dr. Kelley is the associate director for the Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research and also the associate director for basic science research at the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center. He is a professor of biochemistry and molecular biology and of pharmacology and toxicology.
Dr. Kelley completed his postdoctoral fellowship in molecular biology at Rockefeller University, after earning his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in genetics from Louisiana State University in 1984. His main area of expertise is in DNA damage and repair and translating his studies to clinical cancer applications.
Dr. Kelley is a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, American Association for Cancer Research, Environmental Mutagen Society, Society for Pediatric Research, and American Society of Clinical Oncology.