Kelley M. Argraves, PhD
Kelley is a translational scientist whose career spans academic research, rare cancer science, nonprofit research strategy, and patient engagement and advocacy. She serves as Senior Program Manager of Engagement and Research at the Sarcoma Foundation of America, where she supports research programs and engagement initiatives aimed at advancing therapeutic options and improving outcomes for patients with sarcoma.
Prior to joining SFA, Kelley served as Scientific Director of the Clear Cell Sarcoma Foundation, where she led the organization’s research and translational strategy. During this time, she supported development of a preclinical-informed Phase I clinical trial in clear cell sarcoma and helped establish a disease-focused patient registry and collaborative research initiatives. Throughout her career, Dr. Argraves has supported competitive research funding programs, coordinated multidisciplinary scientific meetings, and built partnerships across academia, federal agencies, industry, and patient advocacy organizations. Earlier in her career, Dr. Argraves served as a Science Officer with the Department of Defense Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs, overseeing a large portfolio of preclinical and clinical research awards.
Dr. Argraves previously held faculty appointments as Assistant and Associate Professor at the Medical University of South Carolina for over 15 years while conducting NIH-funded research in vascular biology, lipid signaling, and cancer. She received her PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from The George Washington University and completed postdoctoral training in vascular development and sphingolipid signaling. Her dedication to cancer research and patient advocacy is deeply personal. As a cancer survivor and someone who lost her husband to cancer, she is committed to accelerating research and improving outcomes for patients and families.