Name: Brittany Avin McKelvey
Age: 29
Birthplace/where you were raised: I was born in Camden, South Carolina, and grew up in Greenville, North Carolina.
Where do you live now? Fayetteville
Employer: Friends of Cancer Research
Job title: I am a science policy analyst at Friends of Cancer Research (Friends). Friends is an advocacy organization based in Washington, D.C., that drives collaboration among partners from every healthcare sector to power advances in science, policy and regulation that speed life-saving treatments to patients with cancer. At Friends, I support the development and implementation of our research and policy agendas, generating scientific evidence to advance progress in oncology care.
Who are your immediate family members? My wonderful husband, John McKelvey Jr.; and my loving parents, Griffin and Terri Avin.
Education: I received my dual bachelor’s degrees in genetics and biochemistry, with a minor in science and technology in society from Clemson University. I received my Ph.D. in molecular biology and genetics from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
What community and professional groups are you affiliated with? Manna Church; Association of Bragg Spouses; USO; American Association of Cancer Research; American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
Education: I received my dual bachelor’s degrees in genetics and biochemistry, with a minor in science and technology in society from Clemson University. I received my Ph.D. in molecular biology and genetics from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
What community and professional groups are you affiliated with? Manna Church; Association of Bragg Spouses; USO; American Association of Cancer Research; American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
Who has helped you achieve success in your life and career? My parents have been instrumental in guiding and supporting me to pursue my dreams, while both serving as excellent role models of having successful careers, strong faith, and being a serving spouse. My husband is an amazing partner who is always there for me and listens to all my fears, failures, and successes. I am only where I am and who I am today because of the supportive community I have around me, made up of all my friends and family around the country.
What goal would you like to accomplish before turning 40? In the next decade, I hope to continue helping to develop policies that benefit new cancer therapies for patients, while serving as a mentor and role model for women in science. I hope to grow and strengthen my family as well as invest in my community and the people in it. I hope to continue to use my own personal cancer experiences to help and guide others, supporting others in their journey.
What’s your favorite book? “Next” by Michael Crichton. The book highlights the tremendous opportunities for our society with science and technology, but also serves as a warning of what reality could become and challenges our notions of morality. It piqued my interest and passion for the intersection of science and policy.
What are your hobbies? I enjoy gardening in my plot in the Fayetteville Community Garden, reading, supporting our local teams (especially the Woodpeckers and Marksmen), volunteering and spending time with friends and family.
What’s your most prized possession? My memories — memories of the good and the bad, to learn from the past and remember where I came from.
If you had a theme song for your life, what would it be? “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack. “Never take one single breath for granted” and always go for your dreams.
