Adam Kiefer, Ph.D.

Distinguished University Professor of Chemistry

Adam Kiefer

Adam M. Kiefer, Ph.D., is a Distinguished University Professor in the Department of Chemistry, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, at Mercer University, where he has exclusively taught undergraduates since 2008. Alongside traditional chemistry courses in organic and inorganic chemistry, he teaches upper-level coursework and conducts undergraduate research related to pollution from artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) and toxic metals in consumer products.

Kiefer has more than 15 years of experience in working with foreign governments, nongovernmental organizations, and universities to build laboratory capacity and regulations that limit human exposure to mercury, lead and other toxic metals.

His work spans Guyana, Belize, Suriname, Peru, Ecuador, Nigeria, Kenya and Mozambique, where he and his undergraduate research team focus on monitoring lead in paint and ceramics; mercury and cyanide use in ASGM communities; and the development of new, less expensive methods for the determination of toxic metals in low- and middle-income countries. He has published widely in peer-reviewed journals, often with undergraduate and high school co-authors. He also holds a 2019 patent on making and using mercury capture systems, developed with Laura Lackey, Ph.D., in the Mercer University School of Engineering.

Since 2016, Kiefer has received $1.1 million (USD) in external funding from foundations and other organizations. His teaching and research have been recognized by:

  • The Society for Analytical Chemistry (Pittsburgh section) Award (2002)
  • The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign School of Chemical Sciences Teaching Award (2004)
  • The Vulcan Innovations in Teaching Award (2012)
  • The Excellence in Teaching Award (2016)
  • Selection as an IUPAC Young Observer (2019)

He is a frequent invited speaker.

Education

  • Ph.D., University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
  • B.S., Allegheny College

Fun Facts

  • Member of the Mercer University faculty since 2008

Contact Adam Kiefer, Ph.D.

478-301-4173
kiefer_am@mercer.edu