Dr. Kevin Bucholtz

Dr. Kevin Bucholtz arrived at Mercer University in 2005. His teaching interests are primarily in organic chemistry. He is the director of Undergraduate Research and focuses on supporting both faculty and students in carrying out impactful and productive research agendas. He also directs the Chemical Commerce program, which is a unique degree with substantial course work in both Chemistry and Business.

Before joining the faculty at Mercer, Dr. Bucholtz completed his graduate work at the University of Rochester in the chilly confines of upstate New York. His graduate work was focused on the synthesis and analysis of oligocycloalkane scaffolds for the detection of saccharides. As an undergraduate, he studied chemistry at Gannon University, a small liberal arts college in Erie, Pennsylvania. He played on the men’s tennis team for all four years. While there he conducted undergraduate research in heavy metal accumulation in zebra mussels.

Education

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, University of Rochester
• M.S. in Chemistry, University of Rochester
• B.S. in Chemistry, Gannon University

Specialty

Organic chemistry and corrosion chemistry

Professional Interests

Dr. Bucholtz’s research interests have focused on bio-organic chemistry and the synthesis of biological interesting small molecules. The work has focused on computational design of small molecules, organic synthesis, a wide range of spectroscopy, and biological testing and assays.

Currently, he works with the Mercer Engineering Research Center, the U.S. Air Force and the Air Force Research Lab to investigate chemistry- and surface-related challenges faced by the Air Force. This includes corrosion prevention and control, chemical and biological warfare exposure and composite repairs. The work has spanned multiple types of aircraft and service vehicles and equipment.

Recent Publications

• Bucholtz, K. M., Copeland, M. M.*, Swanger, S. D. Development of a Highly Flexible, Interdisciplinary Program in Chemical Commerce and a Capstone Course in Commercial Chemistry. Journal of Chemical Education,
• Pham, J.H.; Will, C.M.*; Mack, V.L.; Halbert, M.*; Conner, E.A.; Bucholtz, K.M.; Thomas, J.L. “Structure-function relationships for the selective inhibition of human 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 by a novel androgen analog.” J Steroid Biochem Molec Biol, 2017, 174, 257-264.
• Bucholtz, K. M. Historical Examples Integrated into the Organic Chemistry Curriculum in Advances in Teaching Organic Chemistry, Duffy-Matzner, J. and Pacheco, K. eds.; ACS Symposium Series Volume 1108; American Chemical Society: Washington DC, 2012, 131-150.
• Kiefer, A. M.; Bucholtz, K. M.; Goode, D. R.; Hugdahl, J. D.; Trogden, B. G. “Undesired Synthetic Outcomes During a Project-Based Organic Chemistry Laboratory Experience.” Journal of Chemical Education, 2012, 89, 685 – 686.
• Bucholtz, K. M.; Hugdahl, J. D.; Kiefer, A. M.; Santa Maria, A.*; Kiefer, K. M.* “A Green Multi-component Synthesis in Organic Chemistry Laboratory: A Hantzsch Dihydropyridine Condensation and Oxidation to the Corresponding Pyridine.” Chemical Educator. 2012, 17, 125-127.
• Thomas, J. L.; Bucholtz, K. M.; Kacsoh, B. “Selective inhibition of human 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 as a potential treatment for breast cancer.” Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 2011, 125, 57-65. (Invited Review Article)
• Thomas, J. L.; Mack, V. L.; Sun, J.; Terrell, J. R.*; Bucholtz, K. M. “Key residues in the inhibitor, substrate and cofactor sites of human 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 are predicted by our structural model and validated by mutagenesis.” Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 2010, 120, 192-199.
• Bucholtz, K. M. “Medicinal Chemistry: an Introduction, Second Edition by Gareth Thomas.” Journal of Chemical Education, 2009, 86, 1036-1037.
• Thomas, J. L.; Bucholtz, K. M.; Sun, J.; Mack, V. L.; Kacsoh B. “Structural basis for the selective inhibition of human 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 in human breast tumor MCF-7 cells.” Molecular Cellular Endocrinology, 2009, 301(1-2), 174-82.
• Thomas, J. L.; Mack, V. L.; Glow, J. A.; Moshkelani, D.*; Terrell, J. R.*; Bucholtz, K. M.; “Structure/function of the inhibition of human 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 and type 2 by trilostane.” Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 2008, 111, 66-73.

*Undergraduate student co-authors.

Contact Dr. Kevin Bucholtz

(478) 301-5626
bucholtz_km@mercer.edu
Office: Godsey Science Center 425