Good Chemistry
Holz Boosts Loyola's Research Profile
Richard Holz, PhD, is putting himself and Loyola on the scientific map. Since coming to Loyola in 2006 as chair of the Department of Chemistry, Holz has contributed greatly to Loyola's increased visibility in the scientific community through his innovative research and by encouraging Loyola faculty in their own research efforts.
One of Holz's projects attracting national attention is aimed at better understanding how enzymes function, which could ultimately lead to the development of new antibiotics. The findings could be quite significant, as antibiotic resistance is a major issue facing the medical community. The research, which could take several years, receives funding from the National Science Foundation.
Another project, on which Holz is collaborating with Dan Becker, PhD, professor of organic chemistry, could lead to the quick detection of E. coli cells, particularly the kind that are found in food supplies and can make people sick. The current method of testing food sources requires taking samples that have to be sent to labs, which takes several days. "We hope to develop an on-site test that provides immediate results," Holz says. "You won't have to wait until someone gets sick to run a test."
Although we'll have to wait to see how significant the results of these projects are, it is immediately apparent that under Holz's leadership, Loyola's chemistry department is growing academically, contributing more actively to scientific research, and gaining increased national recognition. Faculty members have been developing new courses, upgrading the quality and number of research projects, increasing the number of students involved in research, writing papers for peer review, and giving talks at other universities.
"They have beautifully taken up the charge, even though they have many other commitments," says Holz. "It's like a family. Everyone works well as a team. That will be our strength in the long run. Working together, we will build a nationally recognized program."
Jenny Kustra-Quinn