Kennedy Reed, a fourth-year PhD candidate in molecular microbiology and microbial pathogenesis at Washington University School of Medicine, passed away on August 4, 2026, following a car accident. She was 26.
A native of Hinds County, Mississippi, Kennedy came to WashU Medicine in 2023 to pursue her doctorate under the mentorship of Dr. Felipe Ribeiro. Her innovative thesis research investigated how certain bacteria contribute to skin cancer progression and metastatic disease, revealing critical connections between environmental factors and cancer development.
Beyond her scientific contributions, Kennedy was known throughout the WashU Medicine community for her warmth, thoughtfulness, and commitment to supporting her peers. She played an active leadership role in Next Generation Science Scholars and the Association of Black Biomedical Graduate Students, helping to organize the 2025 Interdisciplinary Conference for Networking, Supporting and Promoting Inclusive Research Endeavors. Faculty and colleagues remembered her as someone who naturally inspired others and brought genuine care to everything she undertook.
Kennedy earned her bachelor’s degree in chemistry with a concentration in biochemistry from Alcorn State University and completed postbaccalaureate research at Vanderbilt University before coming to WashU Medicine.
A celebration of life will be held August 13, 2026, at Friendly Temple Church in St. Louis.
