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Associate Spotlight: A’nna Kelly

Duke Capital Partners Associate Spotlight

A’nna Kelly

Biomedical Engineering Ph.D. Candidate, Duke  |  Senior Associate, Duke Capital Partners  |  Osteocure Therapeutics

A'nna Kelly

“I see my career as bridging science and capital.”

A’nna Kelly is a fourth-year Biomedical Engineering Ph.D. candidate at Duke, a Senior Associate at Duke Capital Partners, and a contributor to Osteocure Therapeutics. Her research sits at the interface of mechanical forces and cellular decision-making; her venture work sits at the interface of that science and the capital that turns it into therapies. In this spotlight, she shares what drew her to biomedical engineering, how she found her way to venture capital, and where she wants to take her career next.

A'nna at DCP
DCP Student Associates 2025-2026
Tell us about yourself and what led you to a BME Ph.D.?

I’m currently a fourth-year biomedical engineering Ph.D. candidate at Duke working in orthopedic mechanobiology. My research focuses on how mechanical forces influence cellular behavior and downstream biochemical and transcriptional responses. Specifically, I study mechanotransduction pathways like TRPV4 to better understand tissue regeneration and osteoarthritis prevention.

What drew me to a Ph.D. in BME was a desire to bridge scales, from whole-joint biomechanics down to cellular signaling. Early in my training, I worked on macroscale biomechanics, like spinal device kinematics at Mayo Clinic, and I also explored biomaterials and drug delivery systems. Over time, I became really interested in connecting those mechanical environments to how cells respond and make decisions.

A desire to bridge scales — from whole-joint biomechanics down to cellular signaling.

As a Ph.D. student, how did you develop an interest in venture capital and entrepreneurship?
A'nna at the DCP 2026 investor event in Palo Alto
A’nna working with the Duke Capital Partners team.

I’ve always had an underlying interest in finance. I served as treasurer in both student government in high school and in my social fraternity during undergrad, but for a long time, I didn’t see a clear path to combine that with engineering. That changed when I was introduced to venture capital and Duke Capital Partners.

For a long time, I didn’t see a clear path to combine finance with engineering. That changed when I was introduced to Duke Capital Partners.

Through my role at Duke Capital Partners, I’ve been able to actively build those skills by leading diligence on early-stage biotech startups, sourcing new opportunities, and evaluating companies across therapeutics, diagnostics, and digital health. I’ve also had exposure to the founder’s side through my work with Osteocure Therapeutics, where I’ve supported both R&D and investor strategy.

VC sits exactly at the intersection of my interests — deep technical expertise in biomedical engineering, and strategic financial decisions.

A'nna ELN
A’nna and two other DCP Associates were nominated to the Emerging Leaders Network (ELN).
What are the moments and experiences here at DCP / Duke that you want to highlight?
A'nna at the DCP 2026 investor event in Palo Alto
A’nna at the DCP 2026 investor event in Palo Alto.

One of the most impactful experiences for me was attending the Winter 2026 investor event in Palo Alto through Duke Capital Partners. It was an incredible opportunity to meet investors, founders, and operators who are actively shaping the biotech ecosystem. What stood out most was hearing firsthand how people navigated the transition from science to investing or company-building.

It made the career path feel tangible — and gave me a much clearer picture of where I want to go.

Beyond that, my experience at DCP has been incredibly formative. Being involved in sourcing, diligence, and investor engagement has allowed me to develop a structured way of thinking about both technology and markets.

It’s one thing to evaluate a project scientifically. It’s another to assess whether it’s investable — and that’s a skill I’ve really enjoyed building.

Duke has been a unique environment because it encourages that intersection of research, entrepreneurship, and impact. I’ve been able to grow not just as a scientist, but as someone thinking about how innovations move into the real world.

What are your current short-term and long-term career goals?
A'nna and Deb
A’nna representing DCP at Duke Women’s Weekend with Duke Founder and DCP investor Deb Liu.

In the short term, as I finish my Ph.D., I’m actively looking to transition into venture capital. I’m particularly interested in roles where I can continue building experience in investing, working closely with founders, and evaluating emerging biotech and medtech opportunities.

Long term, my goal is to build a career in venture capital focused on healthcare and life sciences.

I want to help identify high-potential technologies early, support founders in translating their work, and ultimately contribute to bringing impactful therapies and devices to patients.

At a high level, I see my career as bridging science and capital — using my background in biomedical engineering to make informed investment decisions that shape the future of healthcare.

A’nna Kelly is a Ph.D. candidate in Biomedical Engineering at Duke University and a Senior Associate at Duke Capital Partners. Her work bridges orthopedic mechanobiology research with early-stage biotech investing, spanning therapeutics, diagnostics, and digital health.