Emmanuel Bulted ’26
Major: Chemistry
Project: “Synthesis and Characterization of Mixed Carboxylate Ligand Rhodium Complexes”
Advisor: Stephen Dunham, associate professor of chemistry and department chair
Associate Professor of Chemistry Dr. Stephen Dunham and ƽ student Emmanuel Bulted ’26 proved to be a collaborative force. The two worked together to focus their research on synthesizing anticancer agents, specifically four dirhodium mixed carboxylate ligand complexes.
Bulted wanted to expand on previous research on dirhodium complexes, as they have been studied for more than 50 years due to their anticancer properties. He successfully synthesized four new complexes: Rh2(OAc)3(OBu), cis-Rh2(OAc)2(OBu)2, trans-Rh2(OAc)2(OBu)2, and Rh2(OAc)(OBu)3.
“By synthesizing the four new complexes, there could be surprising differences in cell toxicity,” Bulted says.
This project with Dr. Dunham introduced Bulted to a research environment. Although it was new, Bulted adapted quickly and learned to be “fairly independent,” he says. He took Dr. Dunham’s advice that helped guide his research and became comfortable in the process.
“The satisfaction of completing, or at least progressing toward, a possible end result is very rewarding,” Bulted says. “As long as you are willing to apply yourself, you can learn a lot and find your passion.”
Bulted hopes to expand his research by experimenting with different ways to make the four dirhodium compounds. He also aims to present his research at the National Conference for Undergraduate Research or at an American Chemical society conference. This project was cosponsored by the Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.