Remembering
Dr. Kelli Sharp

“ My heartfelt condolences. May her family and friends be comforted by memories of a beautiful soul that brought white light into their lives. That light will continue to shine every time they remember Kelli. ”

President Emeritus, HD-CARE

“ Dr. Kelli Sharp was a kind, amazing, and funny human being who loved to teach and mentor. She had a special way of engaging learners and teaching by example. She played a large part in the PM&R department and in resident education and she will be dearly missed by all of us. ”

PM&R Department

“ I met Kelli at the University Hills Dog Park when I was a new graduate student at UCI. Kelli, along with the other morning dog park regulars, was so welcoming and friendly that I quickly became a regular myself. Through those daily interactions, I got to know her and came to see her as someone I deeply admired: a strong, intelligent, and compassionate woman. Kelli also served on my advancement committee and became one of my greatest champions after I failed my oral exam. During one of the most difficult periods of my graduate career, she checked on me regularly, offered guidance, and continually reminded me that I was capable and should not give up. At the time, I was struggling with depression and felt overwhelmed by self-doubt. Kelli was one of the few people who helped lift me up when I couldn't do it on my own. Her encouragement, support, and belief in me made a lasting difference in my life, and I will always be grateful for her kindness. ”

Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, 2023, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

“ Kelli was amazing. Her combination of artistic expression, neuroscience, and medical rehabilitation skills was unique. What made this combination so effective was Kelli's pesonality -- she was such a nice person, always concerned with the well being of her students, her colleagues, and the patients she was helping. She was always willing to help her colleagues with any project that needed doing. She approached her work as she approached her friends -- with joy and entusiasm for what we did together. She is unforgettable and will be acutely missed. ”

Director Emeritus, UCI Stem Cell Research Center; Professor Emeritus of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics

“ I first met Kelli more than two decades ago, when she joined the UCI community as the lab manager for Dr. Os Steward. My lab was right next to Os’s in the Gillespie Neuroscience Research Facility, so Kelli and I would cross paths many times throughout the day. I have such fond memories of those years. No matter how busy things were, Kelli always seemed to have a smile on her face, a cheerful greeting, or something funny to say. We would often stop to chat, share a joke, or simply laugh about something. Those little encounters were always a bright spot in my day, and they are among the memories I will cherish most.

What I remember most about Kelli was her extraordinary energy and enthusiasm for life. She had a warmth and spirit that were simply infectious. Over the years, it gave me tremendous pleasure to watch her career blossom, especially as she found ways to bring together her love of scientific research with her passion for movement and dance. I admired her creativity, her drive, and her willingness to follow her passions. Even as our paths crossed less frequently, I always looked forward to running into her. No matter how much time had passed, we would pick up right where we left off, usually with a smile and a laugh. I always walked away from those encounters feeling a little happier.

It is difficult to put into words how shocking and heartbreaking it is to lose someone who seemed so full of life. I still find it hard to believe that Kelli is no longer with us. When I think of her, I don't think first about her many accomplishments, impressive as they were. I think about her smile, her laughter, her boundless energy, and the genuine joy she brought to the people around her.

Kelli, I feel fortunate to have known you for so many years and to have shared so many wonderful moments along the way. You touched more lives than you probably ever realized, and your absence leaves a void that will be deeply felt. You will be greatly missed, my friend, but I will always remember you with a smile, just as you so often greeted me. ”

Dunlop School of Biological Sciences

“ Kelli was a vibrant and funny friend whom I met at the dog park. She was so talented and engaging to talk with and she had a vast store of knowledge about dogs and horses. Kelli was generous and kind and she will be greatly missed. May her memory always be a blessing to all who knew her. ”

“ I still can't believe she's gone. She was full of laughter and light and brightened every room she entered. She was a generous collaborator, an excellent scientist, and a groundbreaking researcher who bridged biology, medicine, and the arts. She was one of a kind, and my life is richer for having known her. ”

Department of Neurology, Stem Cell Research Center, UCI

“ I was lucky enough to have Kelli as my student in her DPT program at Chapman University, as well as a colleague at UCI. She was committed to making the world a better place for folks with disabilities-and everyone else. She accomplished more in her life than most who live twice as long. I'm still in shock, as I'm sure we all are, but she will always have a place in my heart and brain. ”

“ I'm shocked and deeply saddened by the news of Kelli's passing. We'd walk our dogs together, and what I remember most is her adventurous spirit and passion for life. She always seemed to be off to somewhere interesting, doing things most people only dream of doing. I am starkly reminded to make the most of every day like Kelli did. Thank you for touching my life and the lives of so many, Kelli. I know your spirit will soar. ”

Bio '83

“ I first connected with Kelli early in 2016 when we were both invited to be involved in ongoing workshops/discussions focusing on mental health for CTSA students. She was so immediately warm and inviting. Our common passion for mental health was what brought us into the same space, but she felt more like an immediate friend-- like we had known each other for years. I now see that this was the way she operated in the world. Kindness, camaraderie, and enthusiastic joy oozed from her without effort. I’m deeply saddened that her life was cut short. And selfishly, I wish that I had known her better and that the immediate sense of kinship had been nurtured over the years. I’m grateful for the connection I experienced. I will always be inspired by her and will endeavor to embody what she offered with such ease. ”

Professor of Teaching, Drama Department

“ Thank you, Dr. Sharp, for leading a class this past summer that helped me navigate my emotions and wellness throughout a bumpy part of my life. May her memory live on forever. ”

Economics Undergrad

“ Thank you for your contributions to our world, Dr. Sharp. ”

MD, '07, Senior Associate Dean for Students, School of Medicine

“ Dr. Sharp has been with the UC Irvine Institutional Review Board (IRB) since January 2013, appointed by Dr. Jim Hicks while she was part of the Anatomy and Neurobiology Department.

Along with her role as a regular member for the IRB, Dr. Sharp served as the representative for children and cognitively impaired. She was easily accessible and always accommodating. When we needed her time and expertise she was there to assist. She paid careful mind to all protocols. She was one of the first to second a meeting motion, and was known to help guide discussions that might be stalled.

When we had challenging discussions she would check in after the meeting, asking about morale and providing ideas and suggestions to ease the situation or make improvements. She spoke in a gentle, relatable way even though incredibly intelligent. She made one feel just as significant. She was friendly, warm, funny, kind.

She gave so much to others at UC Irvine. This is a tremendous loss for all who knew her. She will be greatly missed by those in Human Research Protections and the IRB.

May her memory be a blessing. ”

Human Research Protections

“ I met Kelli when I joined the Reeve-Irvine Center in 2004. She was a colleague and friend and was at her core a firecracker of a woman. She was spontaneous and outspoken about her passions and views, and she brought people together with her colorful personality. She was also a deeply kind person. She cared about her work and the difference she could make in the community, higher education, and the world. She was a flaming star that dimmed too quickly. The impact she made on everyone who knew her will not be forgotten. ”

“ I am shocked and so saddened to hear of Dr. Kelli Sharp’s passing. Although we never met in person, I worked with her briefly through UCI’s Executive Committee for Medical Humanities. Her warmth and kindness came through even in those interactions. I could tell she was a force, and I wish I’d had the chance to know her better.

Her work in Medical Humanities brought people across disciplines together around the importance of empathy, compassion, and the human experience in health and healing. She meant so much to our school and the UCI community, and she will be deeply missed.

My heart goes out to her family, friends, colleagues, and everyone who knew and loved her. ”

Staff, UCI School of Humanities

“ Kelli was one of those truly remarkable people who made a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her. She had an extraordinary warmth, kindness, and enthusiasm for life, and a wonderful ability to make the people around her feel valued and appreciated. She was one of the very first people I had the pleasure of getting to know when I arrived in the United States in August 2001, and I will always be grateful for that. We worked side by side for a couple of months at UC Irvine, quickly becoming close friends. Even though it was 25 years ago, that time holds so many fond memories for me, and I remember it like it was yesterday.

What I remember most is how naturally and effortlessly our friendship developed. Kelli was warm, kind, fun-loving, and genuinely wonderful to be around. She made those first months in a new country feel a little more like home, and I don't think I ever properly told her how much it, or she, meant to me.

Although life eventually took us in different directions, and we saw less of each other in recent years, I feel incredibly privileged to have been a part of Kelli's life. I am heartbroken that she is gone, but I know I am just one of countless others whose lives were made richer by knowing her. Thank you, Kelli, for your friendship, your warmth, the laughter, and all those wonderful memories. I will miss you deeply.

Sending my love and deepest condolences to her family, friends, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. ”

Visiting Scientist

“ "Until We Meet Again"

A tribute to Kelli Sharp aka Sharpie

There are some souls that change a room,
Turn the darkest nights into something that blooms. A mind so brilliant, a heart so wide,
Always there for someone, never leaving love behind.

You had a way of seeing what the world couldn't see, giving pieces of yourself so effortlessly. and if you ever knew just how much you gave, you'd see a thousand hearts that you helped to save.

Oh, Sharpie, we'll carry your light,
Through every broken day and every sleepless night.

You left your mark in ways we can't explain,
And nothing in this world will ever be the same. Though we can't hold you or see your face, no passing of time could ever take your place.

Cuddled on the couch with Fat Cat close by the wood fire, those simple little moments are the ones I hold inside. Lake days with Loki, the sun upon our skin, watching our ginger, making sure you don't burn again.

If I could live those days again, I'd never let them end, I'd take a thousand ordinary moments just to have them back again.

Odie's love for you was something truly special, a bond so deep and gentle, beyond words could ever tell. I'm beyond grateful he brought you into my life, A gift I'll carry with me through everyday and night. You loved him with a tenderness that made the whole world shine, and he gave you comfort, joy, and memories I'll hold for all of time. Through every wag, every cuddle, every long hug, every moment you shared, you both showed me just how deeply you loved and cared.

And holidays with you, your amazing food and laughter, I'd give anything to have one more happily ever after. More stories around the table, more memories to make, more time with you, Sharpie, for goodness' sake..

You touched our lives in ways we can't explain,And nothing in this world will ever be quite the same. You gave so much love without asking for a thing, and I hope somehow you know the song your memory sings. Though we can't hold you or see your face, No passing of time could ever take your place.

I hate that there are things I never got to say,
That life kept moving forward and then took you away. I thought we'd have more holidays, more ski days, more pool days, more summers by the lake, more conversations, more advice, more memories to make.

I'd take every hard truth, every laugh, every line, every moment you reminded me that I'd be just fine. Because the greatest gift you gave me wasn't answers or advice, it was having you beside me in this one precious life.

And I can still hear you shouting, “HOHO!”
That sound lives rent-free in my soul. It's funny how the smallest things can mean the most.

Oh, Sharpie, I wish I had more time, one more laugh, one more long hug, one more moment by your side. But I'll carry you through lake days and every snow day, in every meal, every memory, in a thousand little ways.

I'll hug your fur babies just to feel close to you,
And remember all the love you gave in everything you'd do. Though my heart will always wish that you were here to stay, Your memory will walk beside me every single day.

Tomato basil soup and old-fashioned memories will always remind me of you. I cherish our friendship more than I could ever express in words.

Kelli Sharp…

Our Sharpie.

A brilliant mind.
A beautiful soul.
A laugh we'll remember.
A love we'll always hold.

You changed our lives in ways
We'll never fully explain.

We miss you.
We love you.

And until we meet again…

We'll carry your light.

We love you, Sharpie ❤️🕊 ”

“ I had the pleasure of first meeting Department Chair and Professor Kelli Sharp while serving as the event manager for the 2024 Dance Visions - Claire Trevor Society and VIP Backstage Soirée at the Irvine Barclay Theatre Scene Shop. Dr. Sharp was kind, warm, and genuinely wonderful to be around. Whenever our paths crossed at UC Irvine events, she always took the time to greet me and ask how I was doing. Her warmth and presence were a light, and she had a beautiful way of making others feel seen and welcomed. To Dr. Sharp’s family and friends, may you find comfort in the love she shared and the countless ways her light will continue to shine through all of you. I have no doubt that her light will live on in the hearts of everyone fortunate enough to have known her. Dr. Sharp, may you rest in paradise. You will be deeply missed and fondly remembered. ”

Staff and Alumna

“ When news of Dr. Sharp’s untimely passing reached me, I was overcome with shock, sadness, and a profound sense of loss. It is difficult to put into words what it means to lose someone who has had such a lasting impact, not only on my life, but our entire UCI dance community. In the days that followed, I found myself reflecting on the memories we shared and just how much she meant to me. I think back to the first time I met her as a freshman dance major, sharing my dreams of going to medical school despite coming from a nontraditional background. She was the only one who saw something in me I didn’t even recognize. I think back to the summer we spent together on a research project using AI to recognize the biomechanics of dance movement. She was the only who changed my worldview that dance and science is not mutually exclusive. Dr. Sharp is the reason why I made it to medical school. She believed in possibilities I had not yet imagined for myself, and her influence continues to shape the person and future physician I hope to become. Without her, I would not be where I am today. Losing her has been a heartbreaking reminder of how fragile life is and how little we know of the time we have with the people who change us. As we grieve her passing, I hope we can continue to celebrate the life she lived, the energy she always brought into every room and lecture, and the countless lives she touched. I will forever be grateful that our paths crossed and that I had the privilege of learning from her. May she rest in peace. Thank you Dr. Sharp. ”

Dance B.A. and Biological Sciences, B.S. 2025

“ Thank you for your commitment to excellence and service to our UC Irvine community and beyond- your light will be missed! ”

UC Irvine School of Medicine