Kelly has been working on evolution of high-affinity nitrate transporter genes (nrt2) in basidiomycetes and ascomycetes. Currently, she is studying nrt2 diversity and evolution in Laccaria, a group of ectomycorrhizal mushrooms. She has been supported on a REU supplement to the AFTOL project (see Current Research) and has also done research for academic credit. Kelly's research has been performed in collaboration with Jason Slot.