Shana Kelley has been elected a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences

Shana Kelley has been elected a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious honorary societies. Kelley is the Neena B. Schwartz Professor of Chemistry and Biomedical Engineering in Weinberg College, and is also the president of the Chan Zuckerberg Biohub Chicago.

Kelley’s research focuses on new biomedical tools for the diagnosis of disease and the development of disease therapies. Using cutting-edge techniques, including CRISPR screening and cellular engineering, Kelley is currently working on development of biomolecular sensors, phenotypic screening platforms and molecular delivery vectors.

She has started four life sciences companies, patented over 50 inventions and earned many awards, including the American Chemical Society Inorganic Nanoscience Award and the National Science Foundation CAREER Award.

When announcing this year’s new members, Academy President David W. Oxtoby said, “With the election of these members, the academy is honoring excellence, innovation and leadership and recognizing a broad array of stellar accomplishments. We hope every new member celebrates this achievement and joins our work advancing the common good.”

The academy was founded in 1780 by John Adams, James Bowdoin and others who believed the new republic should honor exceptionally accomplished individuals and engage them in advancing the public good.