Featured Scholars : Mark Kelley

Jonathan and Jennifer Simmons Professor of Pediatrics
IU School of Medicine
Associate Director, Wells Center on Pediatric Research
Associate Director, Basic Science Research, IU Simon Cancer Center
mkelley@iupui.edu

Mark Kelley and his colleagues wanted to know more about "chemo brain," a phenomenon that affects about half of all cancer patients. Its symptoms include loss of memory or cognitive function, and tingling in the hands and feet. Sometimes the effects are so serious cancer patients stop treatment altogether even though it might be successfully combating their cancer. In researching this phenomenon Dr. Kelley and his colleagues realized another challenge - they did not know what other researchers at IUPUI as well as other institutions were learning about "chemo brain."

This inspired Dr. Kelley to apply the Six Sigma total quality management business model to allow investigators to better organize their research efforts and stay more focused on their work. The result is the IU Simon Cancer Center Translational Research Acceleration Collaboration (ITRAC). So far over 70 projects have a "map" as a result of the ITRAC process. By bringing together researchers who otherwise might not have worked together, ITRAC reduces "silo-based research," offers new perspectives on research, and identifies potential bottlenecks. This model offers the potential to better utilize resources through collaboration and sharing of ideas and equipment as well as successfully accessing funding for their work.

Professor Kelley's application of a business model to support research planning and implementation is another example of how IUPUI's faculty members are TRANSLATING their RESEARCH INTO PRACTICE.