A unique gift from Bill (LAS ’73) and Julie Kellner (UIS ’86) brings scientists across campus together to study genes, brain, and behavior.
In many ways, we know exponentially more now about how the world works than we did a century ago. But certain things remain unexplained — including the very organ that makes it possible for us to land on the moon or perform life-saving surgeries. The brain still holds mysteries for us to solve, and even though scientists from many fields are studying the brain and behavior, this work is often confined within a particular area of study.
The new Kellner Center for Neurogenomics, Behavior, and Society at Illinois takes a holistic approach to studying genes, brain, and behavior, specifically around the issue of mental health. Researchers from the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology (IGB), the School of Social Work, and the Center for Social & Behavioral Science are coming together in a unique partnership to conduct research and policy work that can have long-reaching implications for how we view and treat mental illness in our country.
This exciting new collaboration between biological and social scientists tackles the issue of mental illness from its genetic and molecular origins in the brain to refining medicinal and therapeutic treatment options and improving policies around mental health.
The center was made possible through a generous gift from Bill and Julie Kellner, longtime supporters of the University of Illinois System. The couple hopes the work at the Kellner Center will lead to a deeper understanding of the biological roots of mental illness, which will change people’s attitudes about those afflicted.
“Too often, the individual suffering from a mental illness is ostracized,” Julie said. “Our hope is that one day mental illness will be looked upon in the same regard as physical illnesses such as cancer — with empathy, understanding and a desire to find effective and affordable medications and treatments. We envision a time when society is more understanding and supportive and when there are more tools to help the mentally ill.”
A new era of collaboration
The center is led by Alison Bell, a professor in the School of Integrative Biology. Bell leads the Gene Networks in Neural and Developmental Plasticity research theme at the IGB, where groups of researchers study brain gene expression, social behavior, and biological diversity. In her lab, the team focuses on the stickleback fish, whose rich repertoire of fascinating behaviors and extensive variation within and among populations has attracted scientists’ attention for almost a century. Sticklebacks are a good model of humans because the variation they exhibit in traits like risk-taking and sensation-seeking behaviors, parental care, and aggressiveness has deeply conserved biological origins.
Bell says the inclusion of non-human animal research makes the center stand out in the field.
“Understanding how the brain generates behavior — including the role of genetics, environment, and social context — has implications for understanding the spectrum of human experience,” Bell explained. “In non-human animals, we are able to control certain variables as we test the function of genes that we just can’t do in humans for good reason. These animals have something important to tell us about what actually matters to humans.”
The Kellner Center is organized around three main tasks: conducting basic biological research into how genes in the brain work together to create complex behaviors; finding new ways to help those with mental illness by applying these newly understood intersections between biology and social influences on behavior; and working with practitioners, policy makers, and the public to bridge the gap between research and real-world application.
Why private support matters
Typically, federal agencies or foundations fund this type of research. Bell and her colleagues have found, however, that federal funding agencies aren’t always equipped to review grant applications that bring disparate subjects together. “Some of the problems we run into is that our grant proposals are viewed as ‘too ambitious.’ Sometimes we get caught in between fields.”
That’s why the private funding from the Kellners is so important. “It takes an open-minded donor,” Bell explains. “Yes, this is a hard and complicated problem to solve, but it is worth investing in. The Kellners have helped us lay a strong, secure foundation by supporting the center.”
Philanthropy is important to the Kellners, a practice that reaches back into both their childhoods. Giving back was an expectation in their families, whether through acts of service or financial support. Their first gift to the university was $25 in 1991. At the time, they could not have predicted that over 30 years later, they would be able to leave such an enduring legacy in Illinois.
“It has been really exciting to work with Alison and the team. They understand and share our passion. They are setting incredible goals, bringing in the right people, and really making a difference. We’re blown away,” Bill said. “We felt that this gift could provide more than a band-aid to the issues around mental illness — we believe this center can create valuable systemic changes.”
Bell appreciates the Kellners’ faith in the center and the value they see in the work being done.
“The Kellners understand the importance of basic biological studies and know there is a long road between data that we might be generating by looking at gene expression in the brain of a honeybee, a fish, or a mouse to actually translating that into a practical impact in society. We’re all on board with this long-term investment.”