Obituary: Kennedy Reed, graduate student at WashU Medicine, 26
A promising early-career scientist, Reed was studying molecular microbiology
Reed
Kennedy Reed, a WashU Medicine graduate student from Hinds County, Miss., died Tuesday, Aug. 4, following a car accident in St. Louis. She was 26.
A promising early-career scientist, Reed was entering her fourth year as a PhD candidate studying molecular microbiology and microbial pathogenesis in the Roy and Diana Vagelos Division of Biology & Biomedical Sciences (DBBS) at WashU Medicine.
Reed is remembered by the WashU Medicine community for her kindness, quiet strength and unwavering commitment to academic excellence.
Ananda Rankin, a friend and fellow WashU Medicine PhD candidate, said it was Reed’s thoughtfulness that she’ll remember the most.
“No matter how long ago you mentioned something you wanted, needed or were curious about, she would remember those small facts and already be working on a way to help you,” she said.
Reed began her PhD studies at WashU Medicine in 2023 and was working toward her thesis with mentor Felipe Ribeiro, PhD, an assistant professor in the John T. Milliken Department of Medicine.
“She approached scientific questions with remarkable rigor and enthusiasm, while also bringing kindness, generosity and genuine care for those around her,” Ribeiro said. “Kennedy had a very unique ability to naturally connect with people and inspire, and her impact extended well beyond her research accomplishments.”
Ribeiro said Reed took on an innovative thesis project investigating how microbes contribute to the progression of skin cancer. She discovered that certain bacteria enhance tumor aggressiveness and metastatic potential, revealing how environmental factors can not only increase cancer risk but also drive the poorly understood transition to metastatic disease.
Reed established herself as a leader among graduate students at WashU Medicine and formed deep connections with other scientists in training through her involvement in Next Generation Science Scholars, a professional development and mentoring program for research-focused undergraduates from first-generation and low-income backgrounds. She was also active in the Association of Black Biomedical Graduate Students (ABBGS).
This past April, Reed helped organize the Interdisciplinary Conference for Networking, Supporting and Promoting Inclusive Research Endeavors at WashU Medicine, hosted by ABBGS. She worked alongside peers and faculty including Tracey Hermanstyne, PhD, the assistant dean of Academic Pathway Programs and assistant professor of developmental biology at WashU Medicine.
“Beyond being an impeccable student and scholar, I would often call Kennedy my ‘Southern Breeze,’ because she was so warm and inviting,” Hermanstyne said. “People just naturally gravitated toward her. For years, she was a steady hand for me and many of her colleagues, often reassuring me that, ‘It’s ok, Ms. Tracey. We’ll figure this out together.’”
Bria Dunlap, another friend and student in the DBBS program, recalled Reed’s deep faith and the calm assurance it seemed to give her. “Because of that, she worked hard and she faced everything with courage.” Dunlap said Reed’s love and light have encouraged her to “walk in my purpose in this world, just as Kennedy did.”
Before coming to St. Louis for graduate school, Reed completed a post-baccalaureate research program at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn., where she studied the relationship between high-fat diets, gut microbiota and obesity-associated inflammation. In 2022, she earned a bachelor of science degree in chemistry, with a concentration in biochemistry, from Alcorn State University in her home state of Mississippi.
A celebration of life service will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13, at Friendly Temple Church in St. Louis. Visit the memorial website for further details.
Reed is survived by her parents, Portia Reed and Mario Rockingham; sister, Cheyenne Rockingham; brothers, Xavier Rockingham and Kaden Rockingham; grandparents Charles and Martha Reed, Belth Rockingham, and Learlean Rockingham; fiancé, Steven Alphin; and countless extended family members, loved ones, sorority sisters and friends.
Students who need support can contact counselors with Student Health Services at 314-362-3523 or by email at StudentHealthService@wusm.wustl.edu during business hours, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. After hours assistance for students is available 24/7 through the Bree Health Student Assistance Program at 800-327-2255. WashU faculty and staff needing support can contact WashU’s Employee Assistance Program at 844-365-4587.
