Trained as a peptide chemist, she provides in-depth technical knowledge to guide clients with strategic policy responses. Prior to joining Avalere, Kelly was a scientific technical writer with the Innovation Institute where she researched, analyzed, and prepared materials on university technologies in pipeline to assess commercial interest. Prior, as a scientific consultant with Fourth River Solutions, she focused on business strategy development and in-depth market analysis on medical devices. Additionally, as founder and president of the Pitt Science Policy Group, Kelly created a diverse and engaged community focused on local and national science policy topics.

Kelly has a PhD in peptide chemistry from the University of Pittsburgh and a BS in biology from James Madison University.