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Dr. Kelly became interested in orthopedic device development as an undergrad at Georgia Tech when she worked with Atlanta-based medical device startups. She developed a passion for translating research-based technologies into commercial products and earned her Ph.D. in biomedical engineering at Duke University, where she focused on advancing metal 3D printing using laser powder bed fusion. Dr. Kelly cofounded restor3d in 2017 during her time at Duke and serves as the company’s Chief Technology Officer. In 2021, she helped launch Reselute and took over as CEO to focus on developing treatments for orthopedic-related infections. Dr. Kelly, one of the top minds and leaders in orthopedic product development, shared her thoughts about the additive manufacturing space and the start-up scene.
Are you amazed at what restor3D has accomplished in seven years?
It’s easy to lose sight of just how much progress we’ve made in such a short time. We began at a bench in Duke’s research lab, moved to an incubator space and then expanded to our first dedicated facility in Durham. Now we’re at headquarters in a state-of-the-art facility for manufacturing and R&D in the Research Triangle. Our growth has been remarkable, but our vision remains the same: to use 3D printing and other advanced technologies to enable personalized orthopedic solutions that improve patient outcomes. It’s inspiring to see how far we’ve come, but that original mission still drives us.
You’ve been involved in the evolution of 3D printing in orthopedics. How do the current capabilities differ from when you started?
Our team was working on one of the first laser powder bed fusion systems in the U.S. Today we’re operating advanced quad-laser systems that emphasize build plate capacity and laser efficiency. Our focus has shifted, too. Initially, we concentrated on the resolution and complexity of parts, exploring lattice structures and similar innovations. Today it’s all about scaling for productivity, reproducibility and maximizing uptime.
Additive manufacturing capitalizes on digital design tools. In what ways do they improve product development efforts?
That’s part of the magic of what we’re doing in this space. The full scope of our company’s vertical integration extends from CT scans to packaged parts. This entire process has been enabled by recent advancements in digital design tools and a significant investment in our internal software development. These tools also allow us to incorporate surgeon feedback directly into our designs, creating a more collaborative dynamic between our engineers and the physicians who ultimately use the devices.
What excites you about launching Reselute?
We focused on proprietary reservoir technology for local therapeutic delivery, specifically targeting antibiotics but adaptable for other treatments as well. Our initial focus is on trauma applications, but the need spans across orthopedics. We recognized the need for a more reliable solution to treat infections, so we’re working to bring an improved option to the market. Our goal is to deliver a more effective and localized approach to infection management that meets the practical needs of surgeons and improves patient outcomes.
Why are you drawn to working in small, nimble companies?
I spent time working in startups during college and later moved into technology consulting. Working for a large corporation with 300,000 employees isn’t a fit for me. That’s something I often tell young engineers: Learning what you don’t enjoy doing is just as important as discovering your passions. I like the energy of working with a motivated team on innovative technologies that solve real clinical problems. And I love our work in this space, especially because of the profound impact we have on patient care. At restore3D, our team is motivated by creating personalized orthopedic implants, so it’s incredibly rewarding. At Reselute, focusing on solving a significant unmet clinical need keeps me excited every day. The work is challenging, but the difference we make in patient care drives us forward.
