SUNY Plattsburgh Alumnus Strives to Change Medicinal Industry

If alumnus Kelsey Moody has his way, heart diseases, cancer, Alzheimer’s and other

diseases may become a thing of the past.

Since his 2010 graduation from Plattsburgh, Moody has moved on to study at SUNY Upstate

Medical University in Syracuse, NY, where he is currently studying.Throughout his

educational career, hehas been involved in research that could lead to cures for diseases

such as heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease.

The cure lies in the use of“cell therapy, which introduces new cells into tissue in order to

treat disease,” Moody said.

During his graduate studies, Moody’s progress continued; he was recruited for the position

of chief technology officer at ImmunePath, a biotech start-up company in Silicon Valley, CA.

Here, he focused on stem-cell research with the aim of helping to reduce the effects of

chemotherapy on the body during cancer treatments. And based on this experience, Moody

went on to earn a master's degree in business administration from Concordia University in

January 2013 so as to incorporate a business background into his professional

advancement.

Recently, Moody received a $450,000 grant from the Life Extension Foundation to fund his

start-up company, Ichor Therapeutics Inc. The company aims to integrate research,

medical science, and business into a vehicle for the manufacturing of cells and continued

research in the field.

One type of cell that his company would manufacture is blood stem cells. These cells would

work in the immune system more effectively than donated blood cells or platelets, which

could possiblycarry viruses, infections, or cause allergic reactions.

Moody said that SUNY Plattsburgh provided him with the proper foundation and research

opportunities that fueled his ambitions.

“Because of the course flexibility, ability to research, and freedom to focus on your

interests, I was able to do more than I would than if I were only in a classroom setting.”