Associate Provost for International Affairs
Professor, Chemistry and Biochemistry
- Wittenberg University, B.A. Chemistry and Physics, 1988
- University of Virginia, PhD Chemistry, 1994
James Bolender is the Associate Provost for International Affairs, and an Associate Professor in Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of San Diego. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and Physics at Wittenberg University and his Ph.D. at the University of Virginia in Physical Chemistry. Dr. Bolender followed up his doctorate with post-doctoral research in the Department of Chemistry at the Pennsylvania State University. He has been a member of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry since 1996. Dr. Bolender has been awarded the Davies (now Deans) Award for Outstanding Teaching in the College of Arts and Sciences, and also was a Knapp Chair in the College in 2015. His research work in water quality issues have taken him to remote locations in Mexico, Uganda, and Kenya to explore the impact of water issues on environmental and public health. Dr. Bolender’s service to USD include terms as interim chair of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Chair of the Academic Assembly in the College, Director of the Honors Program, a member of the Faculty Senate, co-chair of the Engaged Scholarship Taskforce, and chair of the President’s Advisory Committee during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Professional Experience
Dr. Bolender is an active member in the department (interim chair - twice), the College of Arts and Sciences (Chair of Academic Assembly, Honors Program Director, and service in other standing committees), and the University (Senate, Presidential Search Committee). He served as the Chair or co-Chair of two University-wide taskforces. These are Joint Provost's Office - Senate Taskforce on Engaged Scholarship, and the President’s Advisory Committee during our response to the COVID-19 pandemic. He is currently serving as the Associate Provost for International Affairs and as a member of the writing team for the upcoming strategic plan.
Awards
- Davies Award for Teaching Excellence in 2007
- Mens et Spiritus Award for Honors Program Professor of the Year in 2012
- Knapp Chair of the Liberal Arts in the 2015-16 academic year
- USD International Center’s International Impact Award in 2016
- Presidential Fellow in the Association of International Education Administrators for the 2023-24 academic year
Scholarly Work
Dr. Bolender has two distinct research priorities in his laboratory. The first project, which is more fundamental chemistry, is the study of novel, lanthanide ion-containing, water-dispersive nanoparticles. These nanoparticles have potential uses that include efficient light-emitting materials for various uses (fluorescent lights, LED screens, etc.), and as potential MRI contrast agents. Current studies include the synthesis, characterization, and determination of fundamental photo physical properties of novel water dispersive nanoparticles. Students involved in this work use time-resolved and steady-state luminescence, dynamic light scattering, x-ray diffraction, and other techniques. This work is funded since 2011 by the Lundin Foundation for Cancer Research. Dr. Bolender's second project is a long-term water project in the southwestern region of Uganda. In this region, we work with Ugandan and other international partners to assess the impact of poor water quality on childhood and community health. Our work includes the assessment of water issues, and we were the first to find uranium at high concentrations in local groundwater sources. We also work with colleagues in Engineering to develop water filtration devices that are designed to use locally sourced materials. This work includes the use of locally sourced biomass,such as coffee husks, to sequester metals and other contaminants. Current studies in conjunction with colleagues at the Mbarara University of Science and Technology include the survey of groundwater-sourced crater lakes in western Uganda for fluoride and other contaminants, and the development of materials based on cassava to sequester fluoride. This work has been supported since 2005 by the Danvera Foundation.
Dr. Bolender's second project is a long-term water project in the southwestern region of Uganda. In this region, we work with Ugandan and other international partners to assess the impact of poor water quality on childhood and community health. Our work includes the assessment of water issues, and we were the first to find uranium at high concentrations in local groundwater sources. We also work with colleagues in Engineering to develop water filtration devices that are designed to use locally sourced materials. This work includes the use of locally sourced biomass to sequester metals and other contaminants. Current studies in conjunction with colleagues at the Mbarara University of Science and Technology include the survey of groundwater-sourced crater lakes in western Uganda for fluoride and other contaminants, and the development of materials based on cassava to sequester fluoride. This work has been supported since 2005 by the Danvera Foundation.
News
"Interdisciplinary Work in Uganda is Truly Collaborative"
"Making a Difference: Chemistry Professor Leads Water Quality Project in Uganda"
Areas of Interest
Bolender teaches classes that span the sub-fields of chemistry and biochemistry. He has taught over 20 unique course preps that include general chemistry, analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, biophysical chemistry, and a variety of upper division laboratory classes. Additionally, Bolender has taught special topics courses internationally in Mexico (“Pollution in the Sand” - Honor Program team-taught course) and in Uganda (“Water Quality and Public Health in the Developing World”).