Endowment
In Memoriam & In Support of Students
The Robert M. Kelly
Biotechnology (BIT) Endowment
Honoring the founder of the NC State BIT Program
Established by the Kelly family to sustain the program Bob built — expanding hands-on training and research, industry connections, technology transfer and startup formation, and opportunity for the next generation of biotechnologists.
Dr. Robert M. “Bob” Kelly · 1953–2026
A Lasting Impact on the BIT Program
Dr. Robert M. “Bob” Kelly, Alcoa Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, founded and directed the NC State Biotechnology (BIT) Program for a quarter century, guiding it from its inception in 2000 until his passing in 2026. As Director, he served as mentor and advisor to the more than 2,000 students trained through the BIT program under his leadership.
A world-renowned researcher of extremophiles, microbes that thrive in undersea volcanoes and hot springs from Yellowstone to Italy, Bob was elected a fellow of AIMBE, AAAS, and AIChE. Yet colleagues and students remember him most for his devotion to teaching and his belief that every student deserves a real path into science and industry.
Bob grew up with modest means and was a first-generation college student. That experience shaped his lifelong commitment to opening doors and supporting the ‘underdog’. In that spirit, this endowment carries a special care for students with need, ensuring that all can thrive in the BIT Program.
BIT Students Power NC Biotechnology After Graduation
Where BIT students go. The majority of BIT graduates (57.6%) stay in North Carolina to power the state’s biotechnology sector, with alumni across the country and around the world.
What the Endowment Supports
BIT-SURE Summer Research
The BIT Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) supports students to stay over the summer to conduct research alongside BIT faculty.
Long-Term Undergraduate Research
Sustained, multi-semester research experiences in the labs of BIT faculty, depth that a single course cannot provide.
Industry Internships
Facilitating internships for students at biotechnology companies across the Research Triangle and beyond.
Industry Readiness
Industry-informed professional development modules and Capstone Team Projects that prepare students for the workplace.
Conference Travel
Support for students to attend scientific and professional development conferences and present their work.
Technology Transfer, Commercialization, and Startups
Training in and supporting translatable and fundable technologies, how discovery moves from the bench to real-world impact.
Future Opportunities — Growing Bob’s Vision
- Earlier industry exposure for students beginning their careers
- A capstone case competition judged by industry partners
- Guest lectures from Triangle biotech founders & executives
- Team-building & venture skills: forming and leading a project
- An industrial advisory board connecting students to leaders
- A formalized pathway from coursework to internships
- Professional presence: communication, teamwork & leadership
- Engagement with NCBC, NC Life Sciences, CED & Triangle Venture Day
Support the Bob Kelly Biotechnology Endowment
Continue Bob’s legacy of opening doors for the next generation of biotechnologists.
In memory of Dr. Robert M. Kelly, 1953–2026